Haunted Lighthouses of America

The soft glow of a lighthouse, the crashing waves, the howling winds, and the fog… but what if the shadows inside tell a different tale? Welcome to America’s haunted coasts!

What’s that exactly that makes those lighthouses so equally eerie and charming at the same time?  Maybe the allure of lighthouses pulls people in or perhaps it’s the coastal tide's rhythmic pull that evokes sailor tales, sirens, and even mermaids, or it could be the evening fog that rolls in just in time to make up for a haunting surrounding perfect for a ghost story, lighthouses in the US carry a perfect mystery sense. Regardless of the reason, you will find yourself irresistibly drawn to climb the winding stairs when in close proximity to one.

In this blog, we will be carried away by the charming world of lighthouses, holding stories for modern-day visitors. Let’s get in!

The St. Augustine Lighthouse serves as the tallest lighthouse in the US and is a popular tourist destination because of its distinctive architecture and long history. It was built in 1874, and the current lighthouse is constructed on the former building. According to legend, Mr. Andreu, the lighthouse's caretaker, died in a fall while he was painting the initial lighthouse.

Furthermore, Mr. Ballard, the landowner, opposed the construction of another lighthouse on the same property so a lot of people think that the ghosts of these two men still reside in the lighthouse today, and the gloomy past continues to haunt them. Many tourists have reported seeing little girls, and smelling cigar smoke when they were there, and it's also alleged that a group of young girls drowned while playing along the tramway next to the lighthouse. Following an encounter there in the 1960s, the lighthouse's last keeper moved out for personal reasons after he experienced an encounter there.

The creepy Battery Point Lighthouse is the most haunted in California, known as "The Northern California Beacon." This ancient building was built in 1856, boasting a mysterious and paranormal background. Because it is perched on a cliff, its structure has an alluring air of mystery. Over the years, several tourists and employees have claimed seeing figures, hearing odd noises, and experiencing inexplicable events. It is thought that Theophilus Magruder, the former lighthouse keeper, still lingers there, faithfully performing his responsibilities. There have also been reports of freezing areas that defy explanation, lights and shadows, and murmurs that reverberate throughout the night.

The current St. Simons Lighthouse actually represents the 2nd lighthouse to stand on the same property, having been there since the Civil War. Rebuilt in 1874, the previous lighthouse was destroyed by fire to prevent it from falling into the hands of Union soldiers.

But in 1880, Frederick Osborne, the lighthouse keeper, got into a quarrel with his helper, John Stevens. Stevens became the newest lighthouse keeper after shooting Osborne in self-defense, but soon after, Stevens along with others said they felt no more alone inside the lighthouse. Even to date, phantom noises and footsteps persist.

Heceta Head Lighthouse in Oregon stands an impressive 200 feet above the ocean, making it a striking landmark. Constructed in 1894, the lighthouse is also known for its haunting, particularly by a friendly spirit named the Grey Lady, or Rue. Many believe Rue is the mother of a child, and her presence at the lighthouse is linked to the discovery of a child's burial site nearby. The Grey Lady is said to make her presence known through subtle signs, such as knocking or scratching sounds on the walls. Interestingly, she is also believed to help tidy up the space, lending a hand when things become messy.

Perhaps among the ghostliest lighthouses of America is Point Lookout, constructed in 1830 and had a fairly gruesome past to start with, used as a hospital and a prison camp in the Civil War. Voices, noises, and supernatural figures of individuals of various ages and temperaments have reportedly been observed here. The most well-known location for these occurrences is the basement of the lighthouse which is renowned for being quite active. The lighthouse will soon be turned into a museum.

The Old Point Loma Lighthouse is a striking representation of mysteries and history, positioned high on a rock at the Point Loma peninsula. Since 1855, seafarers have been directed by this famous landmark in California, which has a fascinating history shrouded in legend.

Adventurers who wander nearby have reported hearing whispers, seeing the ghosts of former lighthouse keepers, and hearing unexplained footsteps. Some legends describe meeting the ghost of a girl who is said to have been the daughter of the keeper who perished in a tower collapse while others have taken pictures of orbs and mist.

First built in 1736, the Tybee Island Lighthouse is a historic landmark in Georgia. Standing at 145 feet, the current lighthouse has withstood the test of time for 285 years. However, its long history has been marked by frequent storm damage and encroaching seas, leading to multiple attempts at rebuilding. Along with its physical challenges, the lighthouse is also known for unexplained phenomena. Visitors have reported hearing mysterious whistling sounds with no apparent source, as well as sightings of floating figures. These eerie occurrences have fueled the belief that the spirits may not have been welcoming of the lighthouse’s presence.

Being the oldest lighthouse in America, Owl’s Head Lighthouse was constructed in 1825 and is said to be haunted by two spirits. The first is known as the "Little Lady," who is often seen at the windows or in the kitchen. The second spirit is believed to be that of a former lightkeeper. Over the years, numerous tales have circulated about unexplained footprints in the snow or mud, shared by historians researching the lighthouse. One particularly chilling story comes from the wife of a former lighthouse keeper, who claimed to have thought her husband had gone to bed, only to find the imprint of a corpse instead, with no sign of him.

Located in Ohio, the Fairport Harbor Lighthouse offers a stunning view of Lake Erie and was constructed in 1871. The lighthouse gained some fame after being featured in a television program that told the unusual story of a mummified cat discovered by trustees while installing air conditioning. According to local lore, the previous lighthouse keeper had given his ailing wife several kittens for companionship. Many years later, a curator at the lighthouse claimed to have seen the spirit of a gray cat, fueling rumors that the feline's ghost still roams the lighthouse today.