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 have passed from generation to generation. Ghost tours are offered here year round in the historic district, a popular activity of 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. There’s no shortage of ghost stories here on Amelia Island.
It’s probably not a place many folks have visited (and most would feel lucky for this…). It’s actually a pleasant place to wander through in quiet solitude on an Amelia Island autumn day. It’s also one of the most scenic areas of Fernandina Beach.
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.
Here in the Amelia Island area, oak trees draped in Spanish moss are a distinguishing characteristic of the local landscape. To many 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. It is said 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.
But super-naturally speaking, is it haunted? Some believe there’s paranormal activity at most cemeteries.
One thing for sure, it was lovely and serene by day.
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