This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Neighbor News

​ The Ghostly History of Pensacola, Florida: A Haunting Legacy

Pensacola, often celebrated as the oldest European settlement in the United States, boasts a rich, layered history.

Pensacola, often celebrated as the oldest European settlement in the United States, boasts a rich, layered history—and with it, a legacy of paranormal activity that has fascinated both locals and visitors alike. Founded in 1559, Pensacola’s tumultuous past, filled with battles, natural disasters, and mysterious deaths, has given rise to countless ghost stories, earning it the reputation of one of the most haunted cities in Florida.

Pensacola, often celebrated as the oldest European settlement in the United States, boasts a rich, layered history—and with it, a legacy of paranormal activity that has fascinated both locals and visitors alike. Founded in 1559, Pensacola’s tumultuous past, filled with battles, natural disasters, and mysterious deaths, has given rise to countless ghost stories, earning it the reputation of one of the most haunted cities in Florida.

Why might Pensacola be so haunted? According to Ericka Boussarhane, owner of Amazing City Tours and Second Sight Paranormal Investigations, the city's deep historical roots play a significant role. “Pensacola has seen it all—fires, hurricanes, wars, and tragic accidents. Over the centuries, these events left a mark not just on the landscape but on the spiritual energy of the area. It's no surprise so many spirits linger here,” says Boussarhane.

Find out what's happening in Pensacolafor free with the latest updates from Patch.


Indeed, the city's ghostly presence seems to emanate from every corner. One of the most infamous haunted locations is Seville Quarter, a hidden gem nestled in downtown Pensacola. Dating back to the 1800s, it was once a brothel and a tobacco warehouse. Now a popular entertainment destination, Seville Quarter is said to house more than just lively patrons. Visitors frequently report encounters with spirits—some playful, others less so—while attending ghost tours offered by Amazing City Tours.

According to Boussarhane, one of the spirits said to roam Seville Quarter is a woman believed to have worked there when it was a brothel. “She’s seen in one of the upstairs rooms, always wearing a long dress, and sometimes, you’ll catch her reflection in the mirrors,” says Boussarhane. Second Sight Paranormal Investigations, also led by Boussarhane, has delved into many other haunted locations across the city. They’ve conducted paranormal investigations at the Old Christ Church, a site with centuries of history, and St. Michael’s Cemetery, where the restless dead are said to roam among the ancient tombstones. “We’ve captured EVPs [Electronic Voice Phenomena] at several sites that suggest spirits are trying to communicate,” Boussarhane notes.

Find out what's happening in Pensacolafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Whether it’s exploring the haunted halls of Pensacola Lighthouse, where apparitions of past keepers are said to make their presence known, or uncovering the chilling stories of Fort Pickens, where soldiers are believed to still patrol, Pensacola’s haunted history offers more than just a scare. It’s a testament to the enduring impact of the city’s rich and sometimes tragic past.


For ghost hunters, history buffs, and those simply curious about the supernatural, Amazing City Tours provides a thrilling opportunity to experience Pensacola’s haunted side firsthand. With tours that combine historical insight and paranormal exploration, attendees gain a deeper understanding of why Pensacola remains one of the most haunted cities in Florida. As Boussarhane says, “The spirits here aren’t just stories—they’re part of Pensacola’s legacy.”

Media Contact:
Pensacola History and Hauntings
Phone: (850) 941 4321221
East Government Street
Pensacola, Florida 3250
2850 941 4321
https://www.pensacolaghosteven...
https://www.visitpensacolatour...
https://amazingcitytours.com/

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Pensacola