R.I.P.: Bosque Bello Cemetery, Fernandina Beach

Around Halloween, it’s part of American tradition to watch scary movies.  And the days leading up to Halloween give rise to ghost lore, too. As I write this, Larry King tonight is interviewing ghost busters.  Apparently, investigating paranormal activity is a brisk business.

In the seaside town Fernandina Beach, with its rich history and more than 450 structures on the National Register of Historic Places, stories of ghosts and hauntings in some of the old homes and buildings here, have passed from generation to generation.  Ghost tours are offered here year round in the historic district, a popular activity with visiting tourists.

Haunts like the Palace Saloon and Florida House Inn have spirits to drink and stories of other spirits, too.  “Uncle Charlie,” the ghost of a bartender who started serving pub patrons in 1906, lived in a room at the Palace Saloon in the old days and passed away there in his room in 1960.  Uncle Charlie, in life, had a presence at the pub for 54 years.  But in after-life, he’s said to make appearances at this historic saloon on Centre Street in Fernandina Beach.  Thus, ghost stories are in no shortage here on Amelia Island, Florida. But what about the island’s ancient cemeteries — do spirits roam there? 

A ghost tour actually does departs from one local cemetery, St. Peters, located just a block off historic Centre Street and 8th Street.  But there’s another ancient cemetery on Amelia Island that’s a little bit more out-of-the-way from the central district of “downtown” Fernandina — the stunningly beautiful Bosque Bello Cemetery.

It’s probably not a place many folks have visited (and most would feel lucky for this….). However, having ventured into this historic cemetery recently, I was stunned at the beauty of this sacred ground, and wandered the tranquil setting in quiet solitude on an Amelia Island autumn day.

While my visit was uneventful and I certainly wasn’t there for an encounter, I did have a revelation.  It’s definitely one of the most scenic areas of Amelia Island. 

Called “beautiful woods” by the Spanish, Bosque Bello is located off North 14th Street in Fernandina, toward Amelia Island’s northwest, close to “Old Town.” The Bosque Bello Cemetery’s original section is said to have been founded by Spanish colonials in 1798.  However, according to the Amelia Island Genealogical Society, “the oldest identifiable grave, of French Soldier Peter Bouissou de Nicar, dates from 1813.”  Apparently, the property was beautiful when the Spanish set eyes upon it, and its beauty remains in contemporary times.

First occupied by the Timucua Indians and then by Spanish colonials, the nearby “Old Town” was platted by the Spanish in 1811.  Bosque Bello reportedly is the burial ground of soldiers who fought with Napoleon, and those of the Revolutionary War, Spanish-American War, and Civil War. 

The historic cemetery is both tranquil and aesthetically pleasing, with its multitude of native, ancient oaks draped in Spanish moss, cabbage palms, magnolia trees and sago palms, galore.  There are angels here, indeed, and crumbling walls of old family plots.  Ancient walls made of oyster shells (tabby) and some of brick.

Here in the Amelia Island area, oak trees draped in Spanish moss are a distinguishing characteristic of the local landscape.  To most people not living here, “Florida” connotes coconut palm trees — not these ancient oaks with “beards.”  The name, “Spanish moss,” is thought to have originated from its resemblance to the Spaniard explorers’ beards.  Legend has it that the Indians called it “tree hair.”  It’s not a true moss, but rather an epiphyte (or air plant). Visually, it adds interest, and drapes the local landscape with a distinctly southern charm.

A city property, this cemetery is owned by Fernandina Beach.  According to the city’s web site, a city resident burial lot costs $1,000 (4′ by 10′),  non-city resident $1,250.  Not sure how many small cities own cemeteries, but this sounds dirt cheap for a resting place in a splendid setting that’s naturally regal. 

But super-naturally speaking, is it haunted? Well, who knows, for sure. There are some who believe there’s paranormal activity at most cemeteries. 

One thing for sure, it was lovely by day (but I’d rather not roam there by night…)

However, there are those who will venture in by night.  A Florida ghost chasers group is trying to organize a meeting at Bosque Bello cemetery in November, and no doubt will bring their ghost-detecting gadgets.  Perhaps we’ll hear of some new ghost stories…