If you want to go ghost hunting this Halloween or any other time of the year, visiting a haunted lighthouse can be a good place to start. Lighthouses seem to have a mysteriousness about them whether they are haunted or not. However, those that have a paranormal history are even more interesting. Let’s take a look at 10 of the most haunted lighthouses in the United States.
Point Lookout Lighthouse
Located in Scotland, Maryland, Point Lookout Lighthouse is considered the most haunted lighthouse in America. The lighthouse began operation in 1830. James Davis was the first keeper of the lighthouse until his death only a few months later. Ann Davis took over as keeper of the lighthouse after the death of her father. Ann passed away in 1847 and William Wood took over her lighthouse duties. Later, Richard Edwards became keeper but died the same year. Afterward, his daughters subsequently became keepers of the lighthouse. It is uncertain what spirits may be haunting Point Lookout Light, but people have reported hearing voices and footsteps. Lights turn on and off and doors open and shut. Apparitions have also been seen. If you’re interested in visiting, you can reserve a spot for their paranormal night tours.
Big Bay Point Lighthouse
By Dennisc2bem [CC BY-SA 3.0 ], from Wikimedia Commons
Big Bay Point Lighthouse is located in Big Bay, Michigan. It was constructed in 1896. William Prior was the first lighthouse keeper and it is his ghost that supposedly haunts it. Mr. Prior disappeared into the woods with a gun, presumably to commit suicide because he was distraught over the death of his son. However, his remains were found a year later hanging from a tree. People have reported seeing apparitions of Mr. Prior. Big Bay Point Lighthouse is now a bed and breakfast, so if you’d like to go for a visit you might get a peek of William Prior’s ghost as well as a view of Lake Superior.
St. Augustine Lighthouse
St. Augustine Lighthouse is located in St. Augustine, Florida. It was built in 1874 and has a winding staircase comprised of 219 steps. The property that the lighthouse sits on was originally owned by a man named Dr. Alan Ballard. Dr. Ballard was forced to sell it to the government; however, he claimed he would never leave the land. Some people claim his spirit never did. The lighthouse was built by Hezekiah Pettee. Tragedy struck when two of Hezekiah’s children died in an accident. People have reported the apparition of a young girl at the lighthouse, which may be the spirit of one of Hezekiah Pettee’s daughters. The paranormal activity surrounding the place includes laughter, cold spots, and items moving from one place to another. St. Augustine Lighthouse is now a museum that offers paranormal tours. It has even been investigated by the team from the Ghost Hunters television show.
Battery Point Lighthouse
Battery Point Lighthouse is located in Crescent City, California. It is situated on Battery Point island but only sits on the island during high tide. It was built in 1856. The lighthouse has had its share of keepers throughout its history as well as paranormal activity. Battery Point lighthouse is even reported to have a playful resident ghost. Visitors to the lighthouse have reported sensing a presence and even being touched. Battery Point Lighthouse is still operational as a private navigational aid, although it has been decommissioned. It is also a museum that is open for tours.
Heceta Head Lighthouse
Heceta Head lighthouse is located in Yachats, Oregon. It has a 56-foot tall tower that sits 205 feet above sea level. Although there are many claims that the lighthouse is haunted by a woman, there is some confusion her identity. The lighthouse duplex housed two assistant keepers besides the actual lighthouse keeper, and the story goes that she was the wife of one of the assistants. One story says that her daughter drowned and the woman then took her own life. The other story described a domineering and tidy woman with no mention of a child. Caretakers and workers at the lighthouse have reported hearing screams, footsteps and feeling both cold and hot spots. They claim to have seen apparitions of the woman as well. Heceta Head Lighthouse is now a bed and breakfast, so if you’re ever in the neighborhood, there’s a good chance this ghostly woman will make an appearance.
If you happen to live near one of these mysterious lighthouses, stop by and see if the claims of ghosts are true. If you’re not in the area but find places such as these intriguing, add a visit to one or two of them to your bucket list. Even if you don’t see any ghosts, at least you had a vacation or a weekend away. Take the whole family or a few friends and enjoy the adventure.
