In a city as old and colorful as Key West, you’re bound to hear a ghost story or two. But here, the ghost stories aren’t just legends—they’re part of the island’s very soul. From tales of cursed dolls to spirits of shipwrecked sailors and haunted pirates, Key West’s ghost stories have been passed down for generations, growing darker and more chilling with each retelling.
With its history of hurricanes, shipwrecks, and mysterious deaths, it’s no wonder that **Key West is home to some of the most famous ghost stories in America**. Walk into any local bar or historic inn, and you’re likely to hear firsthand accounts of strange sightings, eerie sounds, and encounters with spirits who never left the island. These stories are as much a part of Key West’s culture as the sunsets and the conch shells.
We invite you to explore some of the most famous ghost stories from Key West right here on our website. But reading about them is just the beginning. To truly experience the haunted history of Key West, we invite you to join us on a Ghost Tour of Key West, where you’ll hear these chilling tales told by expert guides as you walk the haunted streets where they all began.
Standing behind glass at the Fort East Martello Museum, Robert the Doll is the centerpiece of Key West’s most chilling legend. Said to be cursed, Robert is blamed for causing misfortune, accidents, and even tragedy to those who disrespect him. From inspiring Hollywood’s Chucky to terrifying visitors who dare take his photo without permission, Robert remains one of the most famous haunted objects in the world—and a must-see for anyone visiting Key West.
Learn more about Robert the Doll.
One of the most bizarre and unsettling stories to come out of Key West belongs to Count Carl von Cosel, a man whose obsession with a young woman didn’t end with her death. After stealing her body from the cemetery, the Count lived with her preserved corpse for years, believing their love could defy death itself. Today, the ghostly legend of Count von Cosel continues to haunt Key West, blurring the line between love, madness, and the macabre.
Read the Ghost Story of Count von Cosel.