Ghost Stories of Northwest Florida

From the Indian presence through a multitude of military occupations, Northwest, Florida is home to many of the nation’s oldest citizens still roaming the streets of our cities and towns unable to rest in peace.

Many stories exist about encounters with spirits from the other side, whether the experiences occurred here, or shaped the perceptions of those who have moved here. This leads one to believe that the great beyond may not be as far removed from everyday life as we might like to think it is.

The stories range from the blood-drenched and headless variety to the more loving and kind. For instance, take the mysterious stranger comforting the sick, or the grandmother who still watches over her family. Some of the visitors in these tales may have known connections to a particular place, or to a certain person, while others seem to be just hanging out.

Pensacola Lighthouse

Many paranormal activities have been reported at the Pensacola Lighthouse at the Pensacola Naval Base. It is considered to be one of the most haunted lighthouses in America. The ghost of a woman most likely Michaela Penalber, wife of Jeremiah Ingraham wearing only her nightgown, has appeared nightly for years to lure visitors and many say they feel disoriented even though there are no supernatural elements that could be involved. Visitors report seeing an old man staring at them from above, although he never stops moving, just pacing back and forth.

Ft. Pickens

During the Civil War, apparitions were observed at Ft. Pickens where Union soldiers remained to battle off the Confederate attacks. On September 6th, 1835, a dark figure wearing a military uniform emerged from inside a room that served as an Army storage room near the entrance. It appeared after dusk and remained until late morning, during which time it came out with a thunderous roar. Reports have been filed by sailors who heard the footsteps enter the fort just before midnight.

You may not know, but the Florida panhandle is home to some of the most haunted places in the country. Thrill seekers and ghost hunters alike travel to the area to catch a glimpse of these spooky places. Whether it’s campfire ghost stories or spooky haunts, Northwest Florida has some of the most impressive and spooky locations in the state.

In these spooky places, historic houses and unexpected administration buildings await you. Come with an open mind and see if the ghosts appear frightening or just go on a fun ghost tour.

If you’re looking for a spooky vacation, there’s nothing wrong with visiting the Florida Panhandle and surrounding areas of Northwest Florida.

It’s not just the beautiful exterior of the Bellamy Bridge that draws people here, it’s also the chance to see real ghosts. In Florida, you will find eerie stories that will give you an insight into Florida’s haunted history. Many ghost stories are passed down from generation to generation and change over time, but it is often the events in real life that produce the stories in the first place.

The University of West Florida Historic Trust offers strolls and trolley tours of the past of Pensacola during the dark month of October. The most popular tours include walks and Segway ghost rides, where guides offer historical information. The tours include a visit to the Pensacola Little Theater, the Cultural Center, Plaza Ferdinand, and other downtown locations filled with paranormal activities.

But Pensacola’s pre-colonial European history, unearthed at Bayou Texar, believes you don’t have to be a black cat to see the haunted houses, buildings, lighthouses, cemeteries, and railroads that exist throughout the area.