St. Augustine Lighthouse
Perched on the shores of the nation’s oldest city, the St. Augustine Lighthouse has a history that stretches back to 1874, when it was first constructed to guide ships safely through treacherous waters. However, beneath its pristine white exterior and spiral staircase lies a dark and compelling narrative of tragedy, loss, and persistent paranormal activity that has captured the imagination of historians, ghost hunters, and tourists alike.
The lighthouse’s most infamous ghostly residents are believed to be the Hezlep sisters – Eliza, Mary, and Oatland – who met a tragic end during the lighthouse’s construction. In 1873, while the lighthouse was being built, the girls were playing on a construction cart that was being used to transport building materials. Tragically, the cart broke loose and plummeted into the water, claiming the lives of the three young sisters. Since that fateful day, visitors and staff have consistently reported hearing the sounds of children’s laughter echoing through the lighthouse, seeing shadowy figures on the stairs, and experiencing unexplained cold spots.
Beyond the Hezlep sisters, the lighthouse has a long history of supernatural encounters. During World War II, when the lighthouse served as a military lookout post, soldiers reported seeing spectral figures of lighthouse keepers walking the grounds and climbing the tower. These apparitions were often described as wearing vintage clothing from the late 19th century, seemingly unaware that decades had passed since their original time.
Paranormal investigators have extensively documented the lighthouse’s supernatural activity. The most compelling evidence comes from multiple independent investigations that have captured Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) – unexplained voices and sounds recorded during quiet investigations. Some of these recordings include what sounds like children’s whispers, the creaking of old wooden stairs, and indistinct conversations that seem to originate from another era.
The lighthouse’s current caretakers and tour guides have their own collection of unexplained experiences. Many report objects moving inexplicably, doors opening and closing without human intervention, and a persistent feeling of being watched, particularly in the tower’s upper levels. The lighthouse’s museum has documented numerous incidents where visitors have reported seeing the ghostly figure of a young girl in a blue dress, believed by many to be one of the Hezlep sisters.
Scientific investigations have attempted to explain these phenomena. Some paranormal researchers suggest that the limestone foundation and the building’s proximity to the ocean create unique electromagnetic conditions that might contribute to paranormal activity. Others point to the emotional trauma associated with the site – the deaths of the children, the isolation of lighthouse keepers, and the strategic importance of the location during wartime – as potential sources of residual energy.
Today, the St. Augustine Lighthouse has embraced its haunted reputation, offering ghost tours that allow visitors to explore its supernatural history. These tours combine historical education with paranormal investigation techniques, giving guests a chance to experience the lighthouse’s mysterious atmosphere firsthand. The site has been featured on numerous paranormal television shows and continues to attract thousands of visitors each year who are eager to witness its ghostly inhabitants.
More than just a historical landmark, the St. Augustine Lighthouse serves as a powerful reminder of Florida’s maritime history and the human stories that continue to resonate long after their time. Whether one believes in ghosts or not, the lighthouse stands as a testament to the enduring power of human memory and the thin veil between our world and the unknown.