The Haunting of Point Lookout Lighthouse – Maryland’s Haunted Beacon

Scotland, St. Mary’s County, Maryland

Photo: Wikipedia

Where the Potomac meets the Chesapeake, a lonely lighthouse stands against the fog. Point Lookout Lighthouse, nestled at the southernmost tip of Maryland, is one of the most paranormally active sites on the East Coast — and one of the state’s most infamous haunted locations.

Built in 1830, the lighthouse served as a vital warning post for ships navigating the treacherous waters of the bay. But its idyllic shoreline hides a tragic past. During the Civil War, Point Lookout became home to a Union military hospital and a sprawling prisoner-of-war camp that held more than 50,000 Confederate soldiers. Disease, malnutrition, and overcrowding led to thousands of deaths. The spirits of those who perished are said to linger — not just in the remains of the camp, but within the lighthouse itself.

Witnesses have reported unexplained cold spots, flickering lights, disembodied footsteps, and the smell of gunpowder. One of the most famous spirits is that of a Confederate soldier, seen pacing the beach with a rifle in hand. Another frequently encountered apparition is that of a woman in a long skirt, thought to be Ann Davis, a former lighthouse keeper who died in the home and still checks the windows to this day.

Even the U.S. government has acknowledged the strange occurrences here — Point Lookout was featured in a Department of Natural Resources report after extensive paranormal investigations. With so many documented reports of voices, music, shadows, and figures seen by rangers and guests alike, it’s no surprise that this lighthouse has earned its ghostly reputation.

Today, the lighthouse is maintained by the Point Lookout Lighthouse Preservation Society and is open for tours on select dates. But even in the daylight, many visitors claim to feel they are not alone — and those who stay after dark often leave with stories they’ll never forget.

Would you spend the night at Point Lookout Lighthouse? Maryland’s most haunted beacon is still calling across the water.

The Haunting of the St. Augustine Lighthouse in Florida

St. Augustine, St. Johns County, Florida

Photo: Wikipedia

 

Photo: St. Augustine Public Record

Standing tall against the ocean’s edge, the St. Augustine Lighthouse is one of Florida’s most iconic and haunted locations. Built between 1871 and 1874, this 165-foot tower has become a beacon not only for ships—but for spirits.

The current lighthouse replaced a coquina tower that had eroded into the sea. Since then, countless lighthouse keepers, workers, and visitors have experienced unexplainable happenings. It’s said that the spirits of those who died during its construction still linger among the shadows.

One of the most well-known tragedies occurred in the 1870s, when the daughters of Hezekiah Pity, a man who was helping build the tower, drowned while playing in a rail cart that flipped into the water. The giggles and footsteps of little girls are still heard by staff and tourists alike—especially near the spiral staircase.

Another spirit often reported is that of Joseph Andreu, a lighthouse keeper who fell to his death while painting the exterior. Visitors claim to see a shadowy figure high in the tower, or feel his presence brush past them on the stairs.

The lighthouse has been featured on paranormal investigation shows such as *Ghost Hunters*, where crew members captured evidence of strange voices, movements, and unexplained noises. Staff have witnessed furniture moving on its own, doors slamming without wind, and cold spots lingering in warm Florida air.

Despite the eerie activity, the St. Augustine Lighthouse is open to the public and offers ghost tours year-round. Many claim it’s one of the most active sites in the nation—and one of the most beautiful.

Whether you're a history lover, thrill seeker, or spirit chaser, a visit to this historic tower promises a glimpse into the paranormal—and a chilling walk through Florida’s haunted past.

Coquina Tower after its conversion to a lighthouse. Photo: St. Augustine Public Record

Address: 100 Red Cox Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Phone: (904) 829-0745
Website: www.staugustinelighthouse.org
Tour Options: General admission, ghost tours, and behind-the-scenes paranormal investigations are available.

The Haunting of Race Rock Lighthouse

Race Rock Lighthouse – Race Rock, New York

Photograph ©Light House Friends.Com

Race Rock, a notorious site plagued by paranormal occurrences, has a history steeped in maritime tragedy that predates the construction of its lighthouse. The perilous rocks constituting this tiny islet lie submerged in murky waters, some areas only reaching a depth of three feet, making it a maritime hazard.

While the exact death toll at Race Rock remains uncertain, numerous vessels have met their demise, taking their crews down with them. The twin currents surrounding the islet are renowned for their ability to pull individuals under. One ill-fated ship, carrying more than forty-five passengers, succumbed to the treacherous waters, resulting in the loss of all lives on board.

In 1871, in response to the escalating maritime disasters, the government allocated a substantial sum, exceeding a quarter of a million dollars, for the construction of the Race Rock Lighthouse. Neil Martin, the inaugural lighthouse keeper, is believed to be the last casualty at Race Rock. By 1978, after years of operation and numerous incidents, the lighthouse transitioned to automation.

Over centuries, tales of ghosts and spectral phenomena at Race Rock have circulated widely. The sheer number of fatalities prompts contemplation on the existence of lingering spirits. Coast Guard members, who have spent time in the lighthouse, recount eerie experiences, from whispers and laughter to disembodied voices calling their names. Some, having encountered unsettling physical contact, refuse to return to the rock.

In addition to auditory encounters, reports include the unnerving sounds of phantom footsteps when alone. Witnesses claim to have heard the inexplicable rush of running water and observed wet footprints leading from the former shower area, despite the absence of water flow for years and the removal of the shower.

Passing mariners on boats have reported glimpsing shadowy figures in the lighthouse tower during the night, despite the absence of any living occupants. The mystery deepens, raising questions about the source of these inexplicable sightings.

Race Rock Lighthouse has earned its place among infamous haunted locations. Unfortunately, visiting is impractical, as tour boats avoid the treacherous waters, and setting foot on the islet amounts to trespassing on government property. For those undeterred by these warnings, the added deterrent is the knowledge that the site serves as the final resting place for numerous seasoned seafarers.

Address:
Race Rock, New York
Website