THE STORY
Reported Haunting
The Key West Lighthouse is said to be haunted by former lighthouse keeper Barbara Mabrity and several other spirits connected to the site. Reports include a woman climbing the lighthouse stairs before vanishing, a man in period clothing believed to be Barbara's husband Michael, ghostly children, an unidentified couple, and figures dressed as Civil War soldiers. Other reported phenomena include children's laughter, unexplained footsteps, whispers, and strange lights.
The original Key West Lighthouse was established in 1826, with Michael Mabrity serving as keeper alongside his wife, Barbara. After Michael died of yellow fever, Barbara took over the duties of lighthouse keeper and served for decades. In October 1846, a catastrophic hurricane destroyed the original lighthouse. A replacement lighthouse was completed farther inland in 1848, and Barbara continued as keeper until her retirement in 1864. Paranormal tradition holds that Barbara never truly left her post. A female apparition believed to be Barbara has reportedly been seen ascending the lighthouse stairs and disappearing near the top, while another apparition thought to be Michael has been reported around the property. Other accounts describe ghostly children, unexplained laughter, footsteps on the staircase, whispers, strange lights, an unidentified male-and-female apparition, and figures described as Civil War-era soldiers.