Exploring the Island Hotel Ghost Stories in Cedar Key, Florida: A Haunted History

Cedar Key, a small island town in Florida, played a crucial role during the Civil War as a trading hub. In 1896, a hurricane nearly destroyed the town. The Island Hotel, built in 1859 by Major Parsons, has survived countless storms and changes. Originally a general store and post office, it later became a hotel and has been known by various names, including the Bay Hotel and Cedar Key Hotel.

cedar key island hotelPhoto bywikimedia commans

After falling into disrepair during World War II, Bessie and Loyal Gibbs revitalized it in 1946, renaming it the Island Hotel. Over the years, it has hosted notable guests and faced numerous challenges, including a severe hurricane in 1950.

The Ghost of the Little Boy:

The Island Hotel is rumored to be haunted by several spirits. A young Black boy, around nine years old, who worked at the Island Hotel's general store and post office during the Civil War. The manager, suspecting the boy of theft, chased him out, and the boy was never seen again. A year later, workers discovered his skeletal remains in a cistern while cleaning it. It’s believed the boy had climbed into the cistern to hide and drowned. Today, his ghost is said to haunt the dark, eerie basement of the hotel.

A Ghostly Kiss: The Friendly Haunting of Rooms 27 and 28

Rooms 27 and 28 are known for the ghost of a murdered prostitute who is said to sit on guests' beds and give gentle kisses before disappearing. Bessie Gibbs, who lived at the hotel for 26 years, is reported to still move furniture and lock guests out of their rooms. A séance revealed that her room is the most haunted, although other spirits, including Native Americans and a fisherman, are also said to be present.

Evidence

Evidence suggests that in addition to the previously mentioned ghosts, the Island Hotel is also haunted by two Native American spirits, a fisherman, and a tall, thin man. An investigator believes that Bessie’s room may act as a portal to another dimension. There is frequent paranormal activity at the hotel, including flickering lights, unexplained door movements, cold spots, and a feeling of being watched.

In 1999, the Fox Network’s “Haunted Inns & Mansions” featured the Island Hotel, leading to increased interest and reservations as people sought evidence of the ghostly presence. The hotel remains a unique blend of history and mystery, attracting both history enthusiasts and those curious about the supernatural.

Source: https://www.islandhotel-cedarkey.com/ghost-stories/