Is Key West Haunted? A Brief History of the Paranormal in Paradise

Key West is a city known for being very active during the day - and even more busy during the night time hours... But did you know that some people believe Key West really * comes alive* in those little wee bit hours in the dead of the night...? The residents of this town are quite familiar with stories of haunted homes, hotels, restaurants and even local churches, which has prompted more than one thrill seeker coming to our little island paradise more interested in discovering the dead - than making friends with the living.

One surprising haunted place is the Hard Rock Cafe which used to be the Curry House - a home built by Key West's first millionaire for his son. The son committed suicide in the home after losing the family's fortune. It is said he is still seen throughout the remodeled building vanishing before the eyes of astonished patrons.

Another popular tourist site for more reasons than just ghost sightings is the Hemingway home. The home is open to the public and has been kept in the original condition since Hemingway's death in 1961. Visitors have often claimed that the sound of a typewriter has been heard during the tours of his home. It is also rumored that Hemingway has actually been seen on several occasions throughout the property even waving from his windows when the home is unoccupied.

Key West is also home to a real life "Chucky" doll. The doll was given to artist Robert Otto in 1904 by a servant who practiced voodoo. Robert named the doll after himself and blamed all bad events on the doll. To most people Robert the doll gave off a very bad vibe but not to Otto, in fact, he loved the doll so much that it became a conflict between he and his wife who insisted the doll be kept in the attic. Instead the doll was given his own bedroom where strange occurrences took place. Local children became terrified to walk past the home because they were convinced the doll would watch and actually mock them on the street below. A plumber in the home once swore he heard the doll laugh and noticed that every time he passed the room the doll would be in different areas.

Robert, the possessed doll, is now on display in the East Marello Museum where he continues to spook those who visit. The doll is housed within a display case and yet the doll's toy lion mysteriously moves from one knee to the other. Knocks can be heard from behind the glass where he sits. It is also said that cameras stop working only when near Robert - some believing the doll itself prevents pictures being taken.

For those wanting to visit several haunted locations and hear the ghost stories that have made them famous - there are many ghost tours offered in Key West. These tours can be exciting to the believers and entertaining for the skeptics - who may actually change their minds. Some tours even offer proof of their ghostly findings through pictures and even voice recordings from beyond the grave. These tours often last over an hour giving more in-depth info on this very historic (and haunted) town.

Hard Rock Cafe

313 Duval Street, Key West, FL 33040

(305) 293-0230

The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

907 Whitehead St. Key West, FL 33040

(305) 294-1136

East Martello Tower & Museum

3501 South Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, FL 33040

(305) 296-3913

GHOSTS & LEGENDS OF KEY WEST TOUR

http://www.keywestghosts.com

866-612-3890

GHOST TOURS OF KEY WEST - THE ORIGINAL

http://www.hauntedtours.com

(305)294-9255

KEY WEST GHOST TOUR

http://www.ghosthauntedtour.com

305-872-4222

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