This Abandoned Florida Military Fortress Is Thought to Be One of the Most Haunted Places on Earth

When we talk about haunted or creepy places in the United States, there is no better city to top the list than St. Augustine, Florida. Famously, one of the oldest and most historic cities in the country, the charming district has a ton of stories tucked away beneath the cobblestone walkways and within the stone fortress walls. And while strolling along the streets with century-old buildings, you’ll definitely feel like there’s a frightening tale to discover around every corner.

Some of the most haunted places in St. Augustine include the St. Augustine Lighthouse, St. Francis Inn, and OC White's Restaurant. However, there is one destination that I find the most frightening: Castillo de San Marcos, an old, abandoned fortress that holds quite a bit of local lore. This haunted military fort in St. Augustine, Florida, is not for the faint of heart. But if you ask me, it’s a must-visit stop on a day trip to St. Augustine.   

The Castillo de San Marcos is a former military fortress that became renowned for a few historic battles. Overlooking the Matanzas River and built in 1672 by Spanish settlers, this fortress is over 300 years old and took at least 23 years to finish construction. It is actually only the second fort in the entire world that is constructed out of coquina, a relatively rare type of limestone. I can only imagine the intensity of the labor and the challenges that were faced while constructing this unique piece of history.

As the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States, it only makes sense to me that a place with so much history also has a haunted past. The stories vary in terms of ghosts and violence, starting with the military capturing many members of the Seminole Tribe during the Second Seminole War. It’s been said that the Seminoles who weren’t transported to Fort Moultrie in South Carolina and died within the fortress, ended up roaming the halls - their spirits forever discontent.

Also, during the Civil War, the castle served as a military prison, where more than 500 Apache prisoners lived in horrific conditions, many of whom perished. In addition, visitors have reported lights glowing inside the watchtower at night, despite no electricity running to it. Other spooky stories include a Spanish soldier who stands at the edge of the fortress, staring out into the sea.

Perhaps the best-known ghost story to come from the fortress is that of a love triangle between a Spanish colonel, his wife, and another captain, suspected of having an affair. The wife and captain mysteriously disappeared soon after. And there have been reports of an apparition roaming the grounds in a white dress, forever looking for her long-lost love.

Plus, you can’t rule out the dungeon holding its own weight in ghosts. Many people walking through this part of the area have felt drastic changes in temperature, seen shadows, or felt a hand touching them. I can't confirm or deny these claims of paranormal activities, but what I can confirm is that lost energies are lingering here. In fact, this haunted fort has been featured in several ghost hunting shows and documentaries. Some investigators report hearing weird noises and seeing apparitions while walking through the soldiers' quarters. Yikes!

Whether you believe in ghosts or you just love a good history lesson, Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine is worth exploring. You can visit the fort during the day, using your America the Beautiful Pass. Or, if you're brave enough, book a nighttime ghost tour in St. Augustine that makes a stop at this haunted fortress.

Have you ever been to the Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine? Do you agree that it's one of the most haunted places in Florida? If not, sound off on our nomination page. We'd love to hear from you!

If you’re looking for more haunted destinations in Florida, use our Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to customize your own spine-tingling experience.