Castillo de San Marcos, built by the Spanish over a period
of twenty years, is a great gray beacon at the edge of the city. It looms like
a formidable castle on top of a grassy hill, and has become connected to quite
a few local rumors. Few souls venture into the narrow abysmal rooms at night,
and the tiny dungeon off the main guardrooms gives some visitors an uneasy
feeling of despair and apprehension. No one knows when the spirits are from (if
there are indeed any) because soldiers guarded the Castillo for three hundred
years. The raid of 1740 by English soldiers may have propelled some into the
spirit world; the transaction of St. Augustine
to the British might have created some unwelcome vibes. No one knows why they
are there, but most agree there is something about the damp rooms that invites
further exploration.
The St. Augustine Lighthouse is located on Anastasia
Island and is easily accessible to
tourists. Unfortunately, it also seems to be easily accessible to whomever or
whatever may linger there. Tales of drowning victims, captains who refuse to
leave their posts, and unfortunate accidents abound. The original buildings
were torn apart by fire in the middle of the 20th century and the lighthouse
was reconstructed; does residue of the original structure and its inhabitants
still remain?
St. Augustine offers many ghost
tours from hearse rides to ghost walks that allow you to experience the
underbelly of the city's vivid history. These eerie tours make you feel like
you are stepping inside the grave with Judge Stickney, who reputedly wanders
the 19th century Huguenot cemetery, or like you are searching an old Spanish
colonial home for your lover, like Lily of the St. Francis Inn. Perhaps they
will give you a lot more familiarly with the spirits than you are willing to
endure.