Jacksonville is a city with a long and rich history, dating back to the 16th century when it was first explored by the Spanish. Over the years, the city has witnessed wars, fires, epidemics, disasters, and crimes that have left behind some restless spirits and eerie legends.
If you are looking for some spooky places to visit in Jacksonville, here are some of the most haunted ones that you can check out…if you dare.
Little Theatre
The Little Theatre, now known as Theatre Jacksonville, is the oldest community theatre in Florida and one of the oldest in the country. It was founded in 1919 and moved to its current location on San Marco Boulevard in 1938.
The theatre is said to be haunted by several ghosts, including a former director named George who died of a heart attack in his office, a young actress named Mary who committed suicide after being rejected for a role, and a mysterious woman in white who appears on the stage or in the balcony.
The theatre staff and patrons have reported hearing footsteps, voices, laughter, applause, and music when no one else is around. They have also seen doors opening and closing by themselves, lights flickering on and off, and objects moving or disappearing.
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Old St. Luke’s Hospital
Old St. Luke’s Hospital is a historic building on Palmetto Street that was built in 1878 as a hotel and later converted into a hospital in 1901. It served as a medical facility until 1984 when it was abandoned and left to decay.
The building is now owned by the Jacksonville Historical Society and is undergoing restoration. The hospital is said to be haunted by the ghosts of former patients, doctors, and nurses who died or suffered there.
Some of the paranormal activity reported here includes hearing screams, moans, coughs, and cries of pain; seeing apparitions of people in hospital gowns or uniforms; feeling cold spots or touches; smelling antiseptics or rotting flesh; and witnessing objects moving or falling.
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Dames Point Bridge
Dames Point Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that spans the St. Johns River and connects North Jacksonville with Arlington. It was completed in 1989 and is one of the longest bridges of its kind in the country.
The bridge is said to be haunted by the ghosts of several workers who died during its construction, either by falling from great heights or being crushed by heavy equipment. Drivers have reported seeing ghostly figures walking or jumping off the bridge at night, as well as hearing screams or whispers coming from the water below.
Florida Theatre
The Florida Theatre is a historic movie palace and performing arts venue on Forsyth Street that opened in 1927. It has hosted many famous acts over the years, such as Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Ray Charles, and The Beach Boys.
It has also seen its share of controversy, such as when Elvis was almost banned from performing there for his suggestive moves. The theatre is said to be haunted by several ghosts, such as an old man who sits on the balcony and watches the shows; a former organist who plays his instrument after hours; a woman in white who wanders the lobby; and a man who smokes cigars in the basement.
Visitors have reported hearing laughter, footsteps, voices, and music when no one else is there; seeing lights switching on and off; feeling cold spots or breezes; and smelling smoke or perfume.
Annie Lytle School
Annie Lytle School, also known as Public School Number Four or Riverside School, is an abandoned school building on Chelsea Street that was built in 1917. It was once a prestigious school that served thousands of students until it closed in 1960 due to declining enrollment and highway construction.
The building has since been vandalized, burned, and looted by trespassers and urban explorers. The school is said to be haunted by the ghosts of former students and teachers who died there from various causes, such as fires, accidents, murders, or suicides.
Some of the paranormal activity reported here includes hearing children’s laughter, voices, footsteps, or screams; seeing apparitions of people or animals; feeling cold spots or touches; smelling smoke or blood; and witnessing objects moving or flying.
