ST. AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE
Long before today’s St. Augustine Lighthouse, the area was watched over by a succession of wooden watchtowers. Built by Spanish settlers between 1565 and 1586, these early structures served as lookout posts, allowing those guarding the port to watch for approaching ships and potential threats. In 1737, the wooden towers were replaced by a 30-foot coquina structure, which was later used by both the Spanish and British as a lookout and warning station. However, years of hurricanes and coastal erosion eventually took their toll and the old tower collapsed into the sea in 1880, shortly after the new lighthouse had begun operating.
The lighthouse seen today was constructed between 1871 and 1874 on the northeastern end of Anastasia Island. Its powerful yellow light could be seen from as far as 24 nautical miles away, helping ships navigate the dangerous waters. But even during its earliest years, tragedy became part of the lighthouse’s story, with the death of three young girls during its construction. For a time the lighthouse was abandoned, with rumours that it was cursed. The Rasmussen family devoted themselves to maintaining and operating the lighthouse, from 1890 to 1955. During WWII the tower took on a new role as an observation post, with volunteers keeping watch for German vessels believed to be operating off Florida’s coast.
In 1955, the lighthouse lamp was fully automated, bringing an end to the era of resident lighthouse keepers. The keeper’s house eventually stood empty for years before being destroyed by fire in 1970. Fortunately, the story of the lighthouse did not end there. St. Johns County purchased the property and spent the following 15 years raising funds to restore the keeper’s house, lighthouse tower and its original Fresnel lens. Yet behind its restored walls and beautiful coastal views lies a darker history—one filled with tragedy, loss and stories of unexplained encounters.
HAUNTINGS AT ST. AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE
Joseph Andreu is a well-known spirit who served as head lighthouse keeper of the original watchtower from 1854 until his tragic death in 1859, when he fell approximately 60 feet from scaffolding while whitewashing the tower. Some believe that when the old tower was eventually replaced, Andreu’s spirit followed the light to the new lighthouse. Visitors have reported seeing a man dressed in 19th-century lighthouse keeper clothing, sometimes walking along the top of the tower or appearing inside the keeper’s quarters. His presence is said to be accompanied by the sound of heavy work boots crossing the metal stairs as well as the lingering smell of whale oil and brass polish. Doors opening by themselves and objects being moved have also been attributed to Andreu.
Perhaps the most famous spirits said to remain are those of the three young girls who tragically died during its construction in 1873. Superintendent Hezekiah Pittee had moved from Maine to live at the lighthouse with his wife, Mary and their children. The children would often ride a small railway cart used to transport supplies from the beach to the construction site, sometimes joined by children of other workers. On July 10, 1873, the three Pittee sisters and a ten-year-old unidentified girl were riding in the cart, unaware that the wooden safety board designed to prevent it from running into the water was not in place. The cart overturned, trapping the children beneath it. A worker rushed to their aid, but by the time he managed to free them, three of the girls had drowned. The youngest Pittee child, Carrie, was the only survivor.
Today, visitors have reported seeing three little girls dressed in Victorian-era clothing playing among the trees surrounding the lighthouse. Laughter and giggles are sometimes heard drifting through the grounds and even inside the tower. Some witnesses claim to have discovered wet footprints belonging to children inside the keeper’s house, while others believe the girls enjoy playing a ghostly game of hide-and-seek, appearing briefly before disappearing from sight.
A visitor staying overnight in 1960 reportedly awoke to find a little girl standing beside his bed, only for her to vanish when he blinked. Music boxes have been known to start playing without explanation, chairs have reportedly moved on their own and objects from the gift shop have allegedly disappeared before mysteriously reappearing later. Visitors have also described sudden cold spots inside the tower and claimed to have been scratched or pushed while in the basement.
Other reports are associated to former lighthouse keepers, the unexplained smell of cigars is attributed to Peter Rasmussen, while disembodied coughing heard inside the keeper’s house has been linked to William Harn, who died after contracting tuberculosis. Visitors also reported hearing footsteps up and down the tower stairs, despite no one being there. Sounds have been captured on audio, including foghorns, ship bells and voices believed to be former keepers communicating in Spanish, English and French. A mysterious woman in white, thought by some to be the spirit of Maria Andreu, has also been seen at the top of the tower. Interestingly, many believe the activity intensifies during storms and heavy fog, when the lighthouse is once again surrounded by the same eerie conditions its keepers would have known more than a century ago.
VISITING ST. AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE
Today, the St. Augustine Lighthouse stands as a treasured piece of Florida’s maritime past and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With its long history of tragedy, loss and unexplained encounters, a visit offers the chance to experience one of Florida’s most fascinating historic landmarks and perhaps encounter one of the spirits said to still linger within its walls. For those who believe the past can leave something behind, the lighthouse may hold more than just memories of those who once tended its light.
If you enjoyed reading the haunting and tragic stories surrounding the St. Augustine Lighthouse, you may also be interested in reading about other haunted lighthouses in the United States.
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