The East Coast of the United States is home to numerous historic lighthouses, many of which have stood watch over the shores for centuries. But amidst their stunning beauty and crucial role in maritime navigation, some of these towering sentinels are said to harbor ghostly secrets. From phantom keepers to tragic tales, here are 10 of the most haunted lighthouses along the East Coast, complete with chilling details, modern paranormal theories, and real-life examples of recent investigations.
1. St. Augustine Light (Florida)
Built in 1874, the St. Augustine Light is a striking black-and-white striped tower that stands an impressive 165 feet tall. Visitors and former keepers have reported seeing the ghost of a young girl with long, dark hair wandering the tower’s catwalk. Many believe she is the spirit of Eliza Pittee, daughter of a former Civil War soldier who became a keeper at the lighthouse.
In 2016, a team from the Travel Channel’s “Ghost Adventures” show conducted an overnight investigation at the lighthouse. They captured several unexplained EMF spikes and recorded what sounded like disembodied voices responding to questions.
2. Cape Hatteras Light (North Carolina)
The Cape Hatteras Light, the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States at 198.5 feet, has a haunting history dating back to the 1800s. Legend has it that the ghost of a former keeper named William Gaskill still roams the tower, grieving the loss of his daughter who drowned in a tragic accident.
Modern paranormal researchers theorize that this could be an example of an intelligent haunting, where a spirit remains aware and interactive. In 2019, a group of investigators from the Outer Banks Paranormal Society spent a night at the lighthouse and reported hearing unexplained footsteps and capturing a shadowy figure on camera.
3. Seguin Island Light (Maine)
Perched on a rocky island off the coast of Maine, the Seguin Island Light has a gruesome legend involving a keeper’s wife who, driven mad by isolation, allegedly took an axe and murdered her husband. Her tortured ghost is said to roam the island, appearing as a woman in a blood-stained white dress.
In 2018, the East Coast Ghost Trackers investigated the lighthouse and recorded unsettling EVP (electronic voice phenomenon) clips that sounded like a woman’s distant cries, possibly lending credence to the chilling tale.
4. New London Ledge Light (Connecticut)
The New London Ledge Light, built in 1909, is reportedly haunted by the ghost of a former keeper who committed suicide by leaping from the roof. Known as “Ernie,” this restless spirit is said to cause doors to slam and footsteps to echo through the tower.
During a 2020 episode of the “Holzer Files” television show, a paranormal team captured video of a dark, shadowy figure moving up the lighthouse stairs, though no person was found inside upon searching.
5. Cape May Light (New Jersey)
The picturesque Cape May Light, constructed in 1859, is allegedly haunted by the ghost of a former keeper who hanged himself from the tower after a heated argument with his wife. Visitors have reported seeing dark shadows and hearing eerie whispers.
The Atlantic Paranormal Society, featured on the popular “Ghost Hunters” TV series, conducted an investigation at the lighthouse in 2015. They documented several unexplained EMF spikes and recorded audio clips of what sounded like faint, whispered voices.
6. Pensacola Light (Florida)
Built in 1859, the Pensacola Light has a history of ghostly encounters, with reports of apparitions, unexplained touches, and disembodied voices. One persistent legend tells of a former keeper who died in a tragic fall from the tower and now haunts the lighthouse.
In 2017, a team from the “Paranormal Lockdown” show spent 72 hours inside the lighthouse. They captured chilling EVPs, including one that seemed to say “help me,” and recorded footage of a door opening on its own.
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7. Cape Neddick Light (Maine)
The Cape Neddick Light, also known as the Nubble Light, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former keeper who mysteriously disappeared in the 1800s. Witnesses have reported seeing a figure in the lantern room and hearing unexplained footsteps.
A 2019 investigation by the New England Ghost Project yielded intriguing results, including electromagnetic anomalies and a photo that appeared to show a misty human form near the lighthouse.
8. Point Lookout Light (Maryland)
Situated at the confluence of the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay, the Point Lookout Light has a dark history tied to the Civil War, as the area was once home to a notorious prison camp. Ghostly soldiers and eerie lights have been reported near the lighthouse.
In 2016, a paranormal research team called the Chesapeake Ghostbusters spent a night at the lighthouse. They recorded several unexplained EMF spikes and captured video of what appeared to be a shadowy figure moving in the darkness.
9. Ocracoke Light (North Carolina)
The Ocracoke Light, built in 1823, is the second oldest operating lighthouse in the United States. Legend has it that the ghost of a former keeper named Josiah Simpson still lingers in the tower, keeping watch over the island.
During a 2018 investigation by the Outer Banks Paranormal Society, the team recorded several unexplained EMF fluctuations and captured an audio clip that sounded like a man’s voice whispering “Josiah.”
10. St. Simons Island Light (Georgia)
The St. Simons Island Light, originally built in 1810 and reconstructed in 1872, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former keeper who died in a boating accident. Visitors have reported seeing a shadowy figure on the tower stairs and hearing phantom footsteps.
In 2017, a team from the “Ghost Brothers” TV show investigated the lighthouse. They captured several unexplained EVPs and recorded footage of what appeared to be a door opening and closing on its own.
Conclusion
These 10 haunted lighthouses along the East Coast are just a sampling of the many beacons that have accumulated ghostly legends over the years. While paranormal investigators continue to search for evidence to support these chilling tales, the allure of these historic towers remains strong.
Whether you’re a believer in the supernatural or simply fascinated by the rich history and stunning beauty of America’s lighthouses, visiting these haunted beacons is sure to be a memorable experience. Just remember to bring an open mind, a brave heart, and maybe even a ghost-hunting gadget or two. You never know what mysteries you might uncover in the flickering light of these ancient guardians of the coast.
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