The 88 Steps to the Top: A Climb with Company
Haunted Lighthouses Florida: A Beacon for the Living and the Dead
Standing sentinel over the island since 1848, the Key West Lighthouse has guided countless ships away from the treacherous reefs. Yet, for those who seek out Key West Ghost Stories, this historic tower is known for guiding something else: the spirits of its past. This landmark is a documented hotspot for paranormal activity Key West, making it a prime location for investigating maritime hauntings.
Barbara Mabrity: The Dedicated Lighthouse Keeper's Ghost
The most famous spirit said to patrol the grounds is Barbara Mabrity, a true legend of the Florida Keys. After her husband, the lighthouse keeper, died in the 1830s, Barbara took over the demanding role, serving for nearly 40 years. She was a woman of unwavering dedication, keeping the light burning through countless storms, including the devastating Hurricane of 1846, which destroyed the original lighthouse and tragically claimed the lives of several of her children.
It is this profound, tragic dedication that is believed to keep her spirit tethered to the tower. Many believe the Barbara Mabrity Ghost still lingers, a ghostly watcher ensuring the light remains lit and the grounds are safe.
The 88 Steps to the Top: A Climb with Company
The climb up the tower’s 88 steps to the top is a challenge for the living, but for the dead, it seems to be a favorite haunt. Visitors often report hearing disembodied footsteps echoing behind them on the spiral staircase, only to turn and find no one there. The feeling of a sudden, unexplained chill, as if an unseen presence is standing just behind them, is a common occurrence, particularly near the top.
The Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters on the ground level are also a hotspot. Staff and guests have reported seeing shadowy figures peeking from the windows and experiencing the classic signs of paranormal activity Key West: flickering lights, objects moving, and the pervasive sense of being watched.
The Key West Lighthouse remains a picturesque piece of maritime history, but for those who understand its tragic past, it is a place where the light of the living and the shadows of the dead constantly intersect.
To hear a deep dive into the life and tragic losses of Barbara Mabrity, the history of the Haunted Lighthouses Florida, and firsthand accounts of the Barbara Mabrity Ghost, be sure to listen to the dedicated episode on the You Two Scare Me Podcast.
