What is it, exactly, that makes a lighthouse so simultaneously charming and eerie at the same time? Perhaps it's the ebb and flow of the coastal seaside tide, beckoning to lonely sailors among legends about sirens and mermaids. Or perhaps it's the evening fog, rolling in just in time to become the setting for a grand American ghost story. Whatever it is that adds an air of mystery and intrigue to lighthouses, there's no denying that many feel a strong pull to ascend each set of stairs when they're near one.

Whether it's the long, winding climb up or the view from the top, lighthouses have long since served a life-saving purpose in the US and around the world. However, with their popularity and timeless charm comes a history, and it's not always as welcoming as a light in the darkness.

St. Augustine Lighthouse, Florida

The St. Augustine Lighthouse brings tourists in from all over due to its unique architecture and extensive history. First constructed in 1874, the lighthouse that stands there now was built over a previous structure. The story goes that the caretaker of the first lighthouse, Mr. Andreu, lost his life during a fall while painting the original lighthouse.

The owner of the land, Mr. Ballard, was against the idea of a second lighthouse being built on the same land, so many believe that both of the spirits of these men still harbor those feelings in the lighthouse today. The dark history doesn't end there, though - it's also said that a group of little girls fell victim to the water while playing on the tramway near the lighthouse, and many visitors have spoken of seeing girlish figures, as well as being followed or smelling cigar smoke during their visits. The last keeper of the lighthouse lived there during the 1960s and left due to personal reasons after an encounter he had there.

Heceta Head Lighthouse, Oregon

The Heceta Head Lighthouse is an incredible structure simply because of the fact that it sits 200 feet above the water. It was built in 1894 and, in stark contrast to many others, is supposedly haunted by a friendly ghost called the Grey Lady, or Rue.

The grave of a child was found near the lighthouse, and many believe that Rue is the child's mother and the reason for her being in the lighthouse. Along with random tidying up, the Grey Lady has said to scratch or knock on walls, but always lends a hand when there's a mess.

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St. Simons Lighthouse, Georgia

Dating back to the Civil War, the lighthouse we know now as the St. Simons Lighthouse is actually the second lighthouse to sit on that same land. The original lighthouse was burned down to keep from falling into Union soldier hands, and it wasn't rebuilt until 1874.

However, around 1880, the lighthouse keeper, Frederick Osborne, fought with John Stevens, his assistant. Stevens ended up killing Osborne, claiming self-defense and becoming the new lighthouse keeper, but shortly after, he and others claimed that they were no longer alone in the lighthouse. Phantom footsteps and sounds continue to this day.

Point Lookout Lighthouse, Maryland

Point Lookout is arguably the most haunted lighthouse in the US. It was built in 1830 and first served as a hospital and a prison camp during the Civil War, giving it somewhat of a grisly history, to begin with. It's said that voices, sounds, and ghostly apparitions of people of all ages and a wide array of temperaments have been seen here.

Most famously, these instances occur in the lighthouse's basement, which is known for having significant activity. Currently, the lighthouse is set to become a museum.

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