The St. Francis Inn, located in St. Augustine, Florida, is said to be one of the most haunted buildings in the city, with numerous ghost sightings reported over the years.
The building that now houses the inn was originally built in the late 18th century as a private residence. Over the years, it was used as a hospital during the Civil War and as a boarding house. In 1904, it was purchased by a local family and turned into a tourist accommodation, which it remains to this day.
One of the most well-known ghosts at the inn is that of a young girl named Lily. According to legend, Lily drowned in the nearby Matanzas Bay and her body was brought to the inn, where it was laid out in one of the guest rooms. Guests have reported seeing the apparition of a young girl in a white dress playing in the courtyard, as well as hearing the sound of children’s laughter and footsteps running up and down the hallways.
Another ghost that is said to haunt the inn is that of a woman in white. She is often seen walking up and down the stairs or standing at the foot of a guest’s bed. Some guests have also reported seeing the apparition of a man in a top hat and coat, believed to be the original owner of the house.
Other reported paranormal activity includes objects moving on their own, unexplained noises, and the feeling of being touched or watched by an unseen presence.
The St. Francis Inn embraces its haunted history and offers ghost tours for guests who are interested in learning more about the building’s paranormal activity. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, the St. Francis Inn is a unique and fascinating piece of St. Augustine’s history.
