The History & Hauntings of Local Landmarks

by Nicole Willis

Founded by the Spanish in 1559, Pensacola is considered America’s first and oldest European settlement. With a deep history dating back more than 460 years, the City of Five Flags has become a hotspot for ghosts and paranormal activity.

There are multiple local landmarks rumored to be haunted by ghosts of the past. From Seville Quarter’s ghostly bartenders to the spirits of former patients lurking the halls at the Old Sacred Heart Hospital in East Hill, countless ghostly tales and sightings continue to intrigue locals and tourists alike.

Here is a look at the history behind the hauntings of some of Pensacola’s most haunted landmarks, and the paranormal folklore surrounding them.

Seville Quarter

Did you know that one of Pensacola’s most popular night life attractions is rumored to be haunted? With a deep history stretching back nearly six decades, Seville Quarter is a bustling entertainment complex located in downtown Pensacola. Seville is widely known for its seven different rooms, each with a different theme and vibe.

With a history dating back to the 19th century, the large brick warehouse originally served as home to the Pensacola Cigar and Tobacco Company. The entertainment complex itself wasn’t established until 1967, when the derelict 19th-century warehouse was transformed into the original Rosie O'Grady's Warehouse saloon. Over its 150year existence, the entertainment complex has experienced significant foot traffic.

One of the most well-known spirits that is said to make regular appearances at the bar is Wesley Gibbs from the early 1990s. According to professor and author of Haunted Pensacola Alan Brown, Seville is haunted by the former bartender.

One day, shortly after Gibbs clocked in, Seville Quarter staff found his body in the cooler. After being rushed to the hospital, his cause of death was revealed to be a heart attack. Gibbs is said to remain at the bar, doing harmless pranks like turning on lights and triggering the hand dryers in the men’s restroom. Other guests through the years have reported hearing distant voices and laughter, as well as reports of feeling strange sensations and uneasiness.

You can experience the ghosts of Seville Quarter yourself with costumed guides and real paranormal investigators. Visit bit.ly/MoonlightWalkingTour to schedule your very own candlelit tour—if you dare!

Pensacola Saenger Theatre

One of Pensacola’s oldest and most popular performance venues is also said to be haunted. Located at 118 S. Palafox St. in the heart of downtown Pensacola, sits the historic Pensacola Saenger Theatre.

Behind the theatre’s beautiful Spanish Baroque architecture, grand balconies and gilded decor lies a century’s worth of history. Also known as the “Grand Dame of Palafox,” the theatre celebrated its 100th anniversary this year.

As one may presume about a century-old theatre, there are several reports of ghost and spirit activity lurking the hallways of the theatre. According to Brown, the most notable of these spirits is a former unnamed employee who passed on the job. Allegedly, when the man was in the basement working on the boiler, it exploded and immediately killed him. The man is said to still linger throughout the theatre, primarily in the balcony, where guests have seen apparitions and heard voices.

Brown also details an experience had by electricians in the early 2000s. The electricians were setting up lighting in the historic theatre when suddenly the lights began to flash randomly. The electricians were completely caught off guard by this, as there was no logical explanation for this phenomenon to occur.

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the Saenger Theatre’s historic feel and vintage charm make it easy to wonder what is still lingering from the past. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can visit goretro.us and schedule a “Hop-on Hop-off” tour that includes a stop at the Saenger Theatre.

Old Sacred Heart Hospital

East Pensacola’s historic Sacred Heart Hospital is the oldest hospital in Pensacola and the oldest Catholic hospital in the state. Situated in East Hill at 1010 N. 12th Avenue, the historic hospital was originally established and first opened as Pensacola Hospital by the Daughters of Charity in 1915. The building features beautiful Gothic Revival-style architecture, much of which remains intact today. In 1948, the hospital’s name was changed to Sacred Heart Hospital.

Considering the emotional and intense nature of hospital environments, it is no surprise that the building is rumored to be home to many spirits. To this day, people have witnessed ghostly sights while visiting the building. Guests and employees have reported seeing nurse and patient apparitions stirring in the hospital halls.

Although there are no formal tours of the building, many of the halls are open to the public and you can keep an eye (and an ear) out for ghostly visitors when you visit one of the many restaurants, shops and cafes that call the treasured building home.

Pensacola Lighthouse and Maritime Museum

The Pensacola Lighthouse lit up for the first time on New Year’s Day in 1859. Perched on a 40-foot bluff within Naval Air Station Pensacola, the lighthouse has long served as a guiding light for sailors throughout history.

The Pensacola Lighthouse’s past is strongly tied to conflict, especially during the Civil War. In 1861, an artillery exchange between the Confederate and Union forces damaged the lighthouse tower.

According to Alan Brown, visitors have reported hearing whispers, loud banging noises, screaming and several have even seen apparitions. These paranormal activities are thought to be caused by the former keepers and residents of the lighthouse, as well as runaway slaves.

Due to its reputation for having a large amount of paranormal activity, the historic Pensacola Lighthouse has become a popular spot for both professional and novice ghost hunters, and those eager to connect with the supernatural. The location has been featured on the Travel Channel’s Most Haunted Lighthouses and Ghost Hunters.

Whether you’re a history buff, paranormal enthusiast or somewhere in between, the Pensacola Lighthouse is a unique part of local history that is worth a visit. It’s open for ghost tours on select Saturday evenings, though public access to NAS Pensacola must follow current Department of Defense procedures. It is recommended to check the website for specific instructions before you visit. For tickets and information, visit pensacolalighthouse.org.

Old Christ Church

If you’ve lived in Pensacola for a while, you likely know at least one person who has been married at Old Christ Church. This gorgeous Norman Gothic-style church is a favorite place for Pensacolians to tie the knot. What you might not know, however, is the lengthy history behind this beautiful building that has led some to believe that it is haunted.

Built in 1832, Old Christ Church is located at 405 S. Adams St. in downtown Pensacola. The church had many rectors over its long time serving as a church. According to Brown, three of the church’s first 10 rectors were all buried under the church after passing away due to various diseases.

In 1988, an archaeological team from the University of West Florida (UWF) was asked to locate the coffins of the three deceased rectors underneath the building. After two months of searching, the remains of the reverends were found underneath the building and a funeral was held to reinter them.

After the funeral, one of the archaeology students reported a strange sighting; the student saw a figure resembling one of the rectors walking between the other two, barefoot and wearing long black robes. Unknown to the student, this description matches what the men were buried in.

The church’s grim history, long service and the tragic fates of its early leaders have led to many stories of ghostly activity. Visitors have reported unexplained phenomena, leading many to believe the spirits of the former rectors may still roam the halls of Old Christ Church.

You can find out for yourself, if you’re brave enough, by checking out Haunted History Village Walking Tours on October 10 and 11. Reservations are required and can be made online at historicpensacola.org/plan-your-visit/ haunted-happenings.