Archive #124 St. Augustine

Episode 24,   Jun 13, 09:30 AM

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The Spanish Crown's Mission
St. Augustine's story begins with the Spanish Crown’s mission to establish a stronghold in the New World. Founded by Pedro Menéndez de Avilés in 1565, the city’s early history is steeped in colonial ambition, war, piracy, and pandemics. This foundation laid the groundwork for centuries of both glorious and tragic events, some of which still linger in the form of restless spirits.
🏰 The Founding of St. Augustine
In 1565, St. Augustine became the first permanent European settlement in the U.S., and with that came centuries of bloodshed. The city’s strategic location made it a focal point of military and political importance, and its haunted past reflects these turbulent beginnings.
⚔️ Massacre at Matanzas Bay
In 1565, the Spanish executed a brutal massacre at Matanzas Bay, slaughtering over 250 French Huguenot settlers. This dark chapter in St. Augustine’s history is said to have left lingering souls in the waters, with many visitors reporting feelings of une

In this spine-chilling episode, Nick takes a deep dive into the haunted history of St. Augustine, Florida—the oldest city in the U.S. From its turbulent past with the Spanish Crown to the ghostly whispers of spirits in historic buildings, we explore the supernatural forces that haunt this eerie location. Buckle up as we uncover the chilling tales and dark history that make St. Augustine one of the most haunted cities in the country!

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Sources


References and Bibliography


Dunn, R. (2014). St. Augustine’s Afterlife: True Tales of a Paranormal Investigator. Pineapple Press.

Ryan Dunn is a respected figure in the field of paranormal research with firsthand experience conducting investigations throughout St. Augustine. His book, St. Augustine’s Afterlife, combines historical research with documented encounters and case studies. Published by Pineapple Press—a reputable regional publisher specializing in Florida history and culture—this source offers a well-researched, location-specific perspective that blends folklore, primary research, and cultural analysis. It’s especially valuable because it includes specific investigations and site-based evidence, making it both relevant and credible for a podcast episode about St. Augustine’s haunted history.


Augustinians Province of St. Thomas of Villanova. (n.d.). Feast Day of St. Augustine – August 28. Retrieved from https://augustinian.org/feast-day-of-st-augustine-august-28

This article is published by the Augustinians Province of St. Thomas of Villanova, an official religious order with direct historical and theological ties to Saint Augustine, the city's namesake. The Augustinians are a scholarly and religious authority on St. Augustine’s life, teachings, and legacy, making this a reliable source for contextual information on the saint himself. Using a source from the organization that carries his religious tradition provides accuracy and authenticity when discussing the spiritual and cultural significance of the city's name and founding influences.


HauntedPlaces.org. (n.d.). Antiques and Uniques Collectibles. Retrieved from https://www.hauntedplaces.org/item/antiques-and-uniques-collectibles/

HauntedPlaces.org is a widely referenced database that documents alleged hauntings across the United States. While not an academic source, it aggregates user-submitted accounts, historical context, and folklore related to haunted locations, making it valuable for understanding local legends and paranormal claims. In the case of Antiques and Uniques Collectibles, it compiles multiple reports and links them to the building’s history, offering insight into community beliefs and experiences. It’s a useful supplemental resource for storytelling and cultural analysis within a paranormal podcast or documentary framework.


Old Town Trolley Tours. (n.d.). St. Augustine’s Old Jail After Dark | Old Jail Paranormal Night Tour. Retrieved from https://www.trolleytours.com/st-augustine/old-jail-after-dark-tour

Old Town Trolley Tours is a well-established company specializing in historical and cultural tours across several U.S. cities, including St. Augustine. Their "Old Jail After Dark" tour offers participants a hands-on paranormal investigation experience in the historic Old Jail, a site known for its haunted reputation. The tour provides insights into the jail's grim history, including its operation from 1891 to 1953, and the conditions that have contributed to its haunted lore. As the operators of the tour, Old Town Trolley Tours provide firsthand information about the site's history and reported paranormal activity, making their website a reliable source for details about the Old Jail and its associated ghost stories. 


Haunted US. (n.d.). Castillo de San Marcos' Long Dead Spirits Linger. Retrieved from https://hauntedus.com/florida/castillo-de-san-marcos/

Haunted US is a specialized platform that documents haunted locations across the United States, combining historical context with reported paranormal activity. Their article on Castillo de San Marcos provides a comprehensive overview of the fort's history, including its construction in 1695 and its role in various military engagements. The piece also details numerous ghost stories associated with the site, such as sightings of headless apparitions and phantom lights, which are integral to understanding the fort's haunted reputation. By blending factual history with folklore, this source offers valuable insights into the cultural and supernatural narratives that surround Castillo de San Marcos.


GhoSt Augustine. (n.d.). The Huguenot Cemetery: St. Augustine’s Spirit Central. Retrieved from https://ghostaugustine.com/blog/the-huguenot-cemetery-st-augustines-spirit-central/

GhoSt Augustine is a reputable tour company specializing in paranormal investigations and ghost tours in St. Augustine. Their blog post on the Huguenot Cemetery offers a detailed account of the site's history and reported hauntings. Established in 1821, the cemetery served as a burial ground during a devastating yellow fever epidemic, leading to numerous interments in a short period. The article discusses notable legends, such as the apparition of a young girl named Elizabeth and the story of Judge Stickney, whose grave was reportedly disturbed during exhumation. By combining historical context with firsthand accounts and local folklore, this source provides valuable insights into the cemetery's haunted reputation, making it a useful reference for discussions on St. Augustine's paranormal history.


Ghosts & Gravestones. (n.d.). The Most Haunted Places in St. Augustine. Retrieved from https://www.ghostsandgravestones.com/st-augustine/haunted-places

Ghosts & Gravestones is operated by Historic Tours of America, a reputable organization specializing in historical and paranormal tours across the United States. Their article on "The Most Haunted Places in St. Augustine" provides detailed accounts of various locations known for supernatural occurrences, such as the Old Jail and the Castillo de San Marcos. The content is based on years of research, personal accounts, and documented experiences, offering readers a comprehensive overview of the city's haunted history. This source is valuable for its firsthand insights and its role in preserving and sharing the rich tapestry of St. Augustine's paranormal folklore.


St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. (2020, March 2). Ghost Stories: The Pittee Girls. Retrieved from https://www.staugustinelighthouse.org/2020/03/02/ghost-stories-the-pittee-girls/

The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum is the official steward of the historic lighthouse and its surrounding grounds. Their article, "Ghost Stories: The Pittee Girls," provides a detailed account of the tragic 1873 accident involving the daughters of Hezekiah Pittee during the lighthouse's construction. The museum's staff, including historians and researchers, have compiled this narrative based on historical records and oral histories. As the primary authority on the lighthouse's history and its associated legends, this source offers a reliable and well-researched perspective on one of St. Augustine's most enduring ghost stories.