The Gato House, The Oldest House, and the Marrero Guest Mansion
Key West’s sun-soaked streets and colorful architecture hide a darker side — one filled with whispers of ghosts, tragedies, and unexplained phenomena. Three locations in particular — the Gato House, The Oldest House, and the Marrero Guest Mansion — each carry their own spine-tingling tales of history and hauntings.
The Gato House
Our first stop is the Gato House, located at 1209 Virginia Street. Built around 1890 by Eduardo Hidalgo Gato, a Cuban immigrant and successful cigar manufacturer, this Victorian-style home was more than just a residence. Gato played a significant role in Key West's development, particularly in the cigar industry, employing hundreds and contributing to the city's economic growth.
In 1911, Gato transformed his home into a hospital for the indigent, naming it Casa del Pobre Mercedes Hospital in honor of his wife, Mercedes. The hospital was managed by Maria Valdez de Gustens, affectionately known as "Mother Gustens," who was renowned for her compassionate care. Mother Gustens wasn’t just the administrator — she was a hands-on caregiver, often seen stationed outside cigar factories on payday, tirelessly collecting donations to keep the hospital running. Her dedication and kindness earned her the endearing title of "Mother Gustens" in the community.
After her death in 1941, numerous accounts surfaced of Maria’s spirit continuing her caregiving duties within the Gato House, which had by then been converted into apartments. Residents have reported encounters with a short, stout woman dressed in a gray dress with her hair in a bun — matching Maria’s description — checking on them during times of illness. One particularly memorable story involves a woman suffering from the flu who felt a cold touch on her forehead and saw a nurse standing over her, who then faded away. These tales contribute to the belief that Mother Gustens’ spirit remains a comforting presence, continuing her life’s mission of caring for those in need.
The Oldest House
Standing as a testament to Key West’s rich history, The Oldest House at 322 Duval Street dates back to the 1820s, making it the oldest wooden house in South Florida. Originally built by shipbuilder Richard Cussans, it later became home to Captain Francis Watlington and his family. Over the centuries, the house has witnessed countless storms, family dramas, and Key West’s evolving landscape. Today, it operates as a museum, but visitors often speak of ghostly figures glimpsed in the upstairs windows and strange sensations on the creaky floors. Staff and guests have reported cold spots, unexplained noises, and a general feeling of being watched. Many believe that the spirits of the Watlington family or even earlier inhabitants still linger, unwilling to leave their beloved home.
The Marrero Guest Mansion
Located at 410 Fleming Street, the Marrero Guest Mansion is one of Key West’s most famously haunted inns. Built in the 1890s by Francisco Marrero, a wealthy cigar baron, the mansion was originally intended to be a lavish home for his family. However, tragedy struck when Francisco died suddenly, leaving his wife, Enriquetta, and their children. Legend has it that Enriquetta’s heart was broken when the family was evicted, by his FIRST WIFE who came from Cuba to claim her inheritance, and she vowed never to leave the house. Guests today report a variety of paranormal encounters — doors opening and closing by themselves, cold breezes sweeping through rooms, and apparitions of a sorrowful woman, believed to be Enriquetta herself, wandering the halls. Some even claim to have heard her gentle sobbing in the middle of the night.
Together, the Gato House, The Oldest House, and the Marrero Guest Mansion weave a tapestry of history, tragedy, and lingering spirits. Each site offers a glimpse into Key West’s complex past — from the days of booming cigar factories to maritime legacies and heartbreaks that still echo today. Whether you’re a ghost enthusiast or a history lover, these haunted landmarks invite you to step into the past and feel the presence of those who came before.
