The Pittee Girls

Over a century and a half ago, a tragic accident occurred at the St. Augustine Lighthouse, a story that continues to resonate through the years. This 165-foot lighthouse, constructed between 1871 and 1875, is renowned not just for its historical significance but also for its haunted reputation, with the heartbreaking tale of the Pittee sisters standing out among the numerous ghost stories.

The narrative starts with Hezekiah Pittee, who moved his family from Camp Elizabeth, Maine, to St. Augustine to oversee the construction of the lighthouse. His daughters, Mary (15), Eliza (13), and Carrie (4), frequently played around the construction site.

On July 10, 1873, a tragic accident occurred. The children, along with a friend, were playing on a railway cart used for transporting materials when it derailed and plunged into the water. Mary, Eliza, and their friend drowned, while Carrie survived. The entire community was devastated, and the construction work was halted as the town mourned the loss.

Over time, many have reported strange occurrences and sightings at the lighthouse, leading to beliefs that the spirits of the Pittee sisters remain. Visitors and staff have described hearing distant laughter and seeing ghostly apparitions, particularly near the water where the accident took place.

Lighthouse Park, situated near the water, is another location where paranormal activity is frequently reported. Participants of the Everdark Express tour often capture inexplicable images and hear eerie sounds during their visits.

If you’re curious about these ghostly legends, consider joining the Everdark Express tour. Explore the lighthouse grounds and perhaps you might encounter the spirits of the Pittee sisters yourself.