The island of Key West, known for its beautiful sunsets, vibrant culture, and lively streets, has another side—a darker, more mysterious one. With a long history dating back to the 19th century, this tropical island has accumulated a variety of spooky stories, ghostly sightings, and paranormal encounters that have captivated locals and tourists alike. From haunted mansions to tales of murder to restless spirits of shipwreck victims, Key West is where the past lingers in eerie ways.
In this blog post, we will dive into the heart of Key West’s ghostly history, share highlights from a memorable ghost tour, and explore why this island remains a hotspot for paranormal enthusiasts.
Key West: A Hotbed of Paranormal Activity
Key West’s reputation as a haunted destination is not just based on folklore—there are numerous accounts of unexplained experiences that have given the island a reputation as one of the most haunted cities in the United States. The island’s rich and sometimes dark history plays a big role in these eerie tales. With its many shipwrecks, tragic losses, and long-standing traditions, it’s no surprise that some believe the spirits of the past still roam the streets today.
The island’s haunting history begins in the days of sea captains and sailors who lived—and died—here. They left behind ghosts that allegedly still linger in places like former sea captain mansions, old burial grounds, and the haunted remnants of shipwrecks. One of the most infamous spirits is that of Robert the Doll, whose tale is as unsettling as it is fascinating.
The Ghost Tour Experience: A Journey Into the Unknown
Our adventure began as we gathered at the Old Town Trolley Tour office in the heart of Key West where they start the Key West Ghost Tours. As dusk settled over the island, we were met by our tour guide, an unusual individual, who is a local expert on the supernatural. He greeted us with a mysterious smile and a warning: the ghost tour might just curse us. With that chilling remark, we boarded the “ghost bus,” a vehicle that transported us back in time, through an era of mystery, folklore, and intrigue in search of the forgotten souls in the dark streets of old town.
From the moment we stepped aboard, the air was thick with anticipation. The tour, led by a guide who had an extensive knowledge of Key West’s paranormal history, immediately captivated us with stories of hauntings, cursed objects, and unexplained phenomena. Each stop brought us closer to understanding the eerie tales that make Key West such an intriguing destination for those seeking the supernatural.
Haunted Sites and Legendary Locations
There are numerous hauntings, strange circumstances, and dozens of spirits throughout the streets of historic old town, of Key West. Some even involve Key West’s finest families! Let’s visit a few of these haunted locations and try to find the restless souls of the island.
Robert the Doll: The Haunted Toy
One of the first stories we heard was about Robert the Doll, a haunted object with a terrifying history. Robert the Doll is infamous for its curse and is considered the world’s most haunted doll. The doll allegedly caused misfortune and terror for its owners. The doll’s original owner, a young boy named Robert Eugene Otto, was said to have been tormented by the doll. It was said to move, change expressions, and even whisper to Robert.
Today, Robert the Doll resides at the East Martello Fort. The fort has now become a focal point for ghost hunters and curious visitors. The fort itself, which once housed a military garrison, is now a museum, but it is also known for its paranormal activity. Those who visit Robert’s exhibit are warned not to take photos without asking permission—because it’s believed that doing so may invoke the doll’s curse.
The Tour Bus brought us to this well-lit-up house called the Artist’s House. The top floor turret is where Robert the Doll sat for 60 years.
Beyond Robert the Doll, Key West is home to several other haunted sites that fuel the island’s eerie reputation and even has more strange dolls. The ghost tour led us to a variety of these locations, each with its own spine-chilling history.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
The majestic St. Paul’s church is home to stories of ghostly children playing around a statue of an angel. Visitors claim to hear the sound of children’s laughter or the soft patter of footsteps when no one is around.
The Marrero Mansion
This once grand mansion, now a boutique hotel, has its share of paranormal stories. Back in the late 1800s, Francisco Marrero, a prominent cigar maker, built this private residence for his wife. People say their love and good vibes still hang around the house today.
The La Concha Hotel
Known for its luxurious accommodations, this historic hotel has long been a favorite for both visitors and spirits alike. As many as thirteen people have jumped off the top of the hotel to their death. It’s said they still haunt the old hotel. Some claim to have seen the ghost of a woman roaming the hallways late at night.
Another claim is that a busboy perished in an elevator shaft incident in the 1980s. Today, he still lingers at the La Concha Hotel in Key West, Florida.
The Oldest House Museum
The Oldest House in Key West is haunted by the spirits of its former residents. The home is also known as the Captain Francis Watlington home
- Captain Francis Watlington: The most prominent spirit is thought to be the captain himself. Visitors have reported feeling watched, hearing disembodied footsteps, and seeing a full-body apparition in period dress. The museum’s caretaker says the floorboards creak and the rocking chair plays music on its own in this haunted house.
- Invisible hands: A psychic claims to have been grabbed by invisible hands.
The Audobon House
The Audubon House & Gardens in Key West, Florida is considered haunted by many paranormal societies and visitors:
- Captain John Geiger – Some say his ghost can be seen on the balcony or walking through the gardens.
- Lucretia Geiger – Captain Geiger’s wife, some say her ghost inhabits the house.
- William Bradford Smith – The last resident of the house, some say his ghost can be felt on the third floor.
- John James Audubon – Some say he haunts the house as a tall man in a ruffled shirt and long jacket.
Ernest Hemingway’s House
The famous author’s home is also part of the ghost tour. Hemingway himself is allegedly present, and guests report hearing unexplained noises or feeling an overwhelming presence.
Spirits reported at Hemingway’s House:
- Hemingway: Some say Hemingway’s ghost waves from the second-floor balcony, where he always wrote. Others say they’ve felt his presence in his former workspace.
- Pauline: Some say they’ve seen Pauline, Hemingway’s second wife, in the garden or at the garden gate. Some have seen her on the central staircase. While others say they’ve seen her smoking cigarettes in front of the house.
- Other spirits: Some say they’ve seen a poltergeist, a six-toed specter, or a phantom cat.
The African Cemetery at Higgs Beach
The African Cemetery is a sacred site. It’s a place of reflection and reverence, but its history, tied to the island’s tragic past, makes it a solemn and somber location to visit.
The African Cemetery at Higgs Beach is a special place where people who were brought from Africa on illegal slave ships were rescued by US Naval ships. The ships brought the survivors to the nearest port which was Key West. Unfortunately, many were sick from the horrible travel conditions and died in Key West. Their human remains where buried at Higgs Beach.
Many years later, construction personnel saw human bones where they worked in the vicinity of Higgs Beach. Experts determined these were the bones of those that died upon being rescued and brought to Key West. Key West erected a monument to remember and honor their lives and the hardships they faced. It is one of the most sacred sites of the island.
Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum
This museum, which tells the story of the many shipwrecks that have occurred off the coast of Key West, also has its own share of eerie encounters. The spirits of those lost at sea haunt the museum, and some visitors claim to feel a chilling presence.
Wreckers found this old, cursed silver bar in the remains of an ill-fated shipwreck that went down in 1656. You can see and feel it up close, you just can’t take it with you. As you spend time in the dark of the building, you can almost feel Key West Ghosts in the Shipwreck Treasure Museum.
Captain Tony’s Saloon
Captain Tony’s Saloon is famous for its haunted history, boasting multiple ghostly sightings and eerie phenomena. The bar, which was once a morgue and a brothel, is home to several restless spirits. One of the most well-known ghosts is that of a lady of the night named Elena Hoyos, who reportedly appears in her wedding dress looking for her lost lover.
According to ghostly tales of the famous Captain Tony, people have reported encountering the ghost of Captain Tony himself, who died in 1951, who supposedly still hangs around his former establishment.
We Are Doomed?
We drove around Key West’s dark side and most haunted places on our haunted tour. People on the street yell “You are Doomed!!”. Our response back was, “Yes, we are the doomed”. That was a lot of fun as you never knew when somebody would call out!
Skepticism and Belief: Is Key West Really Haunted?
While many skeptics dismiss the paranormal claims surrounding Key West as mere superstition, the sheer volume of stories and eyewitness accounts from locals, tourists, and even paranormal investigators makes it difficult to ignore the possibility that something supernatural could be at play. Whether it’s the spirits of former residents, the lingering souls of shipwreck victims, or the curse of haunted objects, there is no shortage of strange happenings and bizarre aspects of Key West.
For those who are open to the possibility of the supernatural, Key West’s ghost tours offer a unique way to explore the island’s dark past. The combination of historical facts, chilling stories, and the eerie ambiance of Key West at night creates a thrilling experience that is both educational and spine-tingling. Go on your own Key West ghost hunt!
Conclusion: A Must-Do Experience in Key West
If you’re planning a trip to Key West and have an interest in the paranormal and a lover of spooky crazy stories, as well as love history, the Key West Ghost Tour is a must-do experience. It offers an immersive way to explore the island’s haunted history in old town Key West, while also providing an entertaining and eerie adventure. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, there’s no denying the intrigue that surrounds Key West’s supernatural reputation. We had a great time on our ghost tour and I know you will as well!
For more on Key West and the Florida Keys, be sure to check out our other travel videos and blog posts as we continue to explore this fascinating region. Remember, it’s not a trip to the Keys without a visit and a great time at Robbie’s! If you like this post, check out all our other posts and videos from Key West and the Florida Keys such as Pigeon Key and the 7-mile bridge, along with the Dry Tortugas National Park and Shark Valley in the Everglades National Park.
Thanks for reading, and as always, we’ll see you on the next adventure!
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