|
|
The original St. Augustine Lighthouse was first
built by Spanish settlers during the 1600's. In 1824, it became an official U.S. lighthouse in one of the oldest cities in North America: St. Augustine, Florida. The present, haunted lighthouse was built in 1874 and replaced the original light (formerly located 1/4 mile away), which was lost due to tidal erosion. The original lighthouse had one noted tragedy: lighthouse keeper, Mr. Andreu fell to his death while painting the tower.
The U.S. government built the current lighthouse by purchasing parcels of land from several owners. One of the land owners, Dr. Ballard, disputed his neighbors over the land deal and some tour guides have reported seeing his ghost. Possibly, Dr. Ballard or even Mr. Andreu still haunt the St. Augustine lighthouse, but there are other stories of tragedy associated with the haunted lighthouse. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hezekia Pittee's daughters, along with an African-American girl, all drowned when the handcart in which they were playing went off the tramway that was built to carry supplies from ships to the lighthouse. There have been reports of ghostly girls being sighted at the St. Augustine Lighthouse, but there is no way to know whether or not they are the Pittee girls or their friend. In fact, no one ever reports the spirit of a third girl being seen. The most credible reports have been of a single girl. See the St. Augustine Lighthouse Girl
One former keeper spoke often of hearing footsteps following him during his rounds, and also noticed the odor of cigar smoke, possibly from a former lighthouse keeper from whom he was mentored. The cigar smoke has been noted by many visitors, usually within the lighthouse tower. Perhaps one of the former keepers is still caring for the lighthouse.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Left: Ghost photo
taken at St.
Augustine
Lighthouse
shows an orb
on Jake's
shoulder.
Both photos
courtesy of
Brian Bateman.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|