When we talk about haunted or creepy places in the United States, there is no better city to top the list than St. Augustine. Famously one of the oldest and most historic cities in the country, St. Augustine has a ton of stories tucked away beneath the cobblestone walkways and within the stone fortress walls. One of the most haunted places you’ll find in the city is the Castillo de San Marcos, an old abandoned fortress that holds quite the local lore.
The Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine, Florida is a former military fortress that became renowned for a few historic battles.
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Built back in 1672 by the Spanish, 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.
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As the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States, it’s only right that a place with so much history also has a haunted past.
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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 and died within the fortress, ended up roaming the halls, their spirits forever discontent.
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Also, during the Civil War, the castle served as a military prison, during which more than 500 Apache prisoners lived in horrific conditions, many of whom perished.
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In addition, visitors have said to have seen 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.
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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 love.
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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.
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Whether you believe in ghosts or you just love a good history lesson, head on over to the Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine.
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Click here to find out where Castillo de San Marcos is in Florida.
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Have you ever been to the Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine, Florida? Share with us your experience in the comments section! Or if you’re looking for more information about this haunted spot, including current hours of operation, then check out the National Park Service website.
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Address: Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, 1 S Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084, USA
