Haunted St. Augustine Lighthouse: Ghostly Keeper and Eerie Encounters

FLORIDA- The St. Augustine Lighthouse, towering 165 feet above Anastasia Island, is not only a historic beacon guiding sailors but also a hotspot for paranormal activity. Since its completion in 1874, the lighthouse has been the scene of numerous tragic events, leading many to believe that it is haunted by the spirits of those who perished there.

Photo byLetisha - Dalle 3

A History of Tragedy

The first reported ghostly presence is that of Joseph Andreu, a lighthouse keeper who tragically fell to his death in 1859 while painting the tower. Witnesses claim to have seen a shadowy figure resembling Andreu on the lighthouse stairs and at the top of the tower, peering out to sea as he once did in life​ (13 Society)​​ (Visit St. Augustine)​.

Another haunting tale involves the daughters of Hezekiah Pittee, who oversaw the construction of the lighthouse. In 1873, two of Pittee's daughters and an African American girl drowned when a rail cart they were playing in broke free and plunged into the water. These young spirits are said to giggle and play pranks on visitors, often leaving small, dirty footprints behind​ (St Aug Light House)​​ (Ghost City Tours)​.

The Phantom Keeper

Perhaps the most famous ghostly figure is that of a lighthouse keeper known as "The Man," who continues to dutifully attend to his tasks despite being long deceased. This spectral figure is often seen making his rounds, checking the light and ensuring everything is in order. His identity remains a mystery, but his presence is strongly felt by many who visit the lighthouse at night​ (Ghost City Tours)​.

The Ghost Tours

The St. Augustine Lighthouse offers several tours for those brave enough to explore its haunted halls. The most popular is the "Dark of the Moon" tour, which allows visitors to explore the lighthouse, the keeper's house, and the surrounding grounds after dark. Tour guides share their own experiences with the paranormal and recount the lighthouse's tragic history. This tour is known for being genuinely eerie, with many participants reporting unexplained phenomena such as cold spots, disembodied voices, and the appearance of apparitions​ (Visit St. Augustine)​​ (Visit St. Augustine)​.

Personal Encounters

Many visitors and staff have shared their chilling encounters at the lighthouse. One staff member recalls hearing giggling at the top of the tower late one night, only to find it empty. On another occasion, a female guest found her shoelace mysteriously tied to the staircase, an act attributed to the playful spirits of the Pittee girls​ (St Aug Light House)​.

The basement of the keeper's house, the only part that survived a mysterious fire in 1970, is another hotspot for ghostly activity. Visitors often report feeling a spooky presence there, with some even encountering fully formed apparitions of the young girls. These spirits seem to enjoy interacting with the living, especially those who are open to their playful antics​ (St Aug Light House)​​ (13 Society)​.

Conclusion

Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, the St. Augustine Lighthouse offers a unique glimpse into the past, where history and the supernatural intertwine. The ghostly sightings and eerie occurrences continue to draw thousands of visitors each year, making it one of the most haunted and fascinating sites in the United States.