St. Augustine Lighthouse, Florida: Horror Story, Facts, History & Information

Horror story behind St. Augustine Lighthouse, Florida

Legend has it that the St. Augustine Lighthouse in Florida is haunted by the ghosts of two young girls who tragically died on the property in the 19th century.

The first ghost is said to be the spirit of a young girl named Eliza, who died in a tragic accident while playing on the construction site of the lighthouse in 1873. Eliza’s father, who was the supervisor of the construction project, brought his daughters to work with him that day. Eliza was playing with some of the other children when she fell into the water and drowned. Some visitors to the lighthouse claim to have seen the ghostly figure of a young girl in a long blue dress wandering around the lighthouse grounds.

The second ghost is said to be the spirit of another young girl named Mary, who died on the lighthouse property in 1898. Mary was the daughter of the lighthouse keeper at the time, Joseph Andreu. She was playing with her sisters when she fell off the lighthouse tower and died instantly. Visitors to the lighthouse have reported hearing the ghostly sounds of a young girl laughing and playing, as well as feeling the presence of a child near the top of the tower.

In addition to the ghosts of the two young girls, there are also reports of other paranormal activity at the St. Augustine Lighthouse. Some visitors have reported seeing shadowy figures and hearing unexplained footsteps and voices. Others have reported feeling sudden drops in temperature or being touched by unseen hands.

Despite the spooky stories, the St. Augustine Lighthouse remains a popular attraction in Florida, drawing visitors from around the world who are eager to climb to the top of the tower and take in the stunning views of the surrounding area. Whether or not the lighthouse is truly haunted, it remains a fascinating piece of Florida history and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the supernatural.

Information & History of St. Augustine Lighthouse, Florida

The St. Augustine Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on Anastasia Island in St. Augustine, Florida. The lighthouse was built in 1874 to replace an earlier lighthouse that had been destroyed during the Civil War.

The lighthouse stands 165 feet tall and is made of brick and iron. It has 219 steps and a first-order Fresnel lens, which is one of the largest and most powerful types of lenses used in lighthouses. The lens was manufactured in Paris and shipped to the United States in 1874. It was first lit on October 15, 1874, and served as a beacon for ships navigating the treacherous waters of the Florida coast.

The St. Augustine Lighthouse was manned by a series of lighthouse keepers and their families throughout its history. The first lighthouse keeper was William Russell, who served from 1874 to 1876. The last keeper was William R. Bennett, who served from 1949 to 1955, when the lighthouse was automated.

The lighthouse remained in operation until 1970, when it was decommissioned by the Coast Guard. In 1980, the Junior Service League of St. Augustine formed the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the lighthouse and its history.

Today, the St. Augustine Lighthouse is open to the public as a museum and tourist attraction. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower and take in the panoramic views of St. Augustine and the surrounding area. The museum also features exhibits on the history of the lighthouse and the people who lived and worked there, as well as artifacts from shipwrecks and other maritime history.

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Interesting Facts about St. Augustine Lighthouse, Florida

Here are some interesting facts about the St. Augustine Lighthouse:

1. The St. Augustine Lighthouse is the oldest surviving brick structure in St. Augustine, Florida.
2. The lighthouse was originally built to help ships navigate the dangerous waters of the Florida coast, which were known for their treacherous shoals and sandbars.
3. The first lighthouse keeper, William Russell, was also responsible for overseeing the construction of the lighthouse.
4. The lighthouse’s first-order Fresnel lens is one of only 12 of its kind still in operation in the United States.
5. The lighthouse has been featured in a number of movies and TV shows, including the movie “The Man in the Moon” and the TV show “Ghost Hunters.”
6. The lighthouse is rumored to be haunted by the ghosts of two young girls who died on the property in the 19th century.
7. The lighthouse has survived several hurricanes, including Hurricane Dora in 1964, which caused significant damage to the structure.
8. The lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
9. The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum, Inc. offers a variety of educational programs and events, including summer camps, ghost tours, and special exhibits.
10. Visitors to the lighthouse can also climb the tower at night and participate in a special “Dark of the Moon” tour, which explores the lighthouse’s haunted history.

FAQ about St. Augustine Lighthouse, Florida

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the St. Augustine Lighthouse in Florida:

What are the hours of operation for the St. Augustine Lighthouse?

The St. Augustine Lighthouse is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, with the last ticket sold at 5:30 pm.

How much does it cost to visit the St. Augustine Lighthouse?

As of 2023, the admission fee is $15.95 for adults, $13.95 for seniors and children ages 12-18, and $9.95 for children ages 2-11. Children under 2 years old are free.

Can visitors climb to the top of the lighthouse?

Yes, visitors are allowed to climb the 219 steps to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of the area. However, children under 44 inches tall and pregnant women are not allowed to climb the tower.

Is the St. Augustine Lighthouse accessible for people with disabilities?

The museum and gift shop are fully accessible, but the lighthouse tower is not. Visitors with mobility issues can still enjoy the view from the lighthouse grounds.

Are there any ghost tours at the St. Augustine Lighthouse?

Yes, the St. Augustine Lighthouse offers a “Dark of the Moon” tour, which explores the haunted history of the lighthouse and its surroundings.

Can visitors take photographs inside the lighthouse?

Yes, visitors are allowed to take photographs inside the lighthouse and on the grounds.

Is there parking available at the St. Augustine Lighthouse?

Yes, there is a free parking lot located on the property.

Are there any special events or programs at the St. Augustine Lighthouse?

Yes, the museum offers a variety of educational programs, summer camps, and special events throughout the year. Check the website for current offerings.

Is the St. Augustine Lighthouse located near any other attractions?

Yes, the lighthouse is located on Anastasia Island, which is home to a variety of attractions, including Anastasia State Park, the Alligator Farm Zoological Park, and the St. Augustine Amphitheatre.

What is the history behind the St. Augustine Lighthouse?

The St. Augustine Lighthouse was built in 1874 to replace an earlier lighthouse that had been destroyed during the Civil War. It served as a beacon for ships navigating the treacherous waters of the Florida coast until it was decommissioned by the Coast Guard in 1970. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and museum.