Haunted San Diego

Are there spirits waking among us? Read these ghostly facts and maybe you'll "Boo lieve."

The William Heath Davis house, located in the heart of Gaslamp Quarter, is one of the oldest houses in what is now known as downtown San Diego. Residents who have called this place home have reported strange activity occurring throughout this house. In 1977, a report was filed that the lights would turn on and off by themselves, and the strange thing is, gas lamps and coal was used for light, which you would need a match to relight if the flame goes out.

This house wasn't wired with electricity until the year 1984. Another chilling report about this house is, a Victorian woman wearing a long skirt and petticoat has been seen on the second floor. She has reportedly even spoken to the guests that arrived at this haunted house for a tour. They say a woman at the top of the stairs invited them to come on up.

In the red light district of the Gaslamp Quarters are two hotels, The Grand and The Kale Saddlery that were built on the grounds of the former site of Ida Bailey's Cat House in the 1800's. It is claimed to be haunted by spirits of the past. A gambler by the name of Roger A. Whittaker is reported to be roaming the halls of the hotel. Roger A. Whittaker was shot to death in his room, #309, after he lost at a game of cards and couldn't pay his debt. The hotel offers diaries in every room so guests can write down any strange encounters that may occur. Guests have reported lights flickering on and off by themselves. Also, the room has been known to get very warm and the armoire doors open and close during the night. The hotel maids have also stated that they have heard the sound of cards being played in room #309 when the room was unoccupied.

Ghosts of sailors and passengers are known to be haunting a ship built in 1863 called, The Star of India. A young teenage boy by the name of John Campbell was found and put to work on this ship. Soon after he was employed, he unfortunately lost his footing in the ships rigging and fell 100 foot. When he landed on the deck, it crushed both of his legs and amazingly, he survived. But three days later, the teenage boy passed away due to complications from his injuries. It has been reported that when visitors tour the ship, some of them say when they get close to the mast; the feeling of a cold hand rests on their shoulder. Other reported incidents are, the pots and pans near the ships stove have been rearranged and the smell of bread baking has come from the kitchen. The strange part about this is; the ships kitchen has not been used in several years.

The Port Loma Lighthouse located high above the Pacific Ocean in the San Diego Bay built in 1855 has been abandoned for over 100 years. A low moaning of a man's voice has been heard in the south bedroom of this lighthouse. As visitors make their way up a spiral stairway to the second floor, they have reported feeling cold, bone chilling spots as they climb. The staircase is very steep, and as the guests start to make their way to the second floor, they get a feeling of a force trying to hold them back and make them turn away. Robert Israel, the former lighthouse keeper, has been heard making noise in the kitchen and stomping around the living room on the upper floor. They say his uniform is laid out in his room and he is upset to see it in such a way, because without being able to wear his uniform, he can not perform his duties and the ships are in danger.

San Diego also has a number of cemeteries and restaurants which have reported unusual activities and ghost sightings. So, if you are unafraid of the unknown and ghostly figures roaming the halls, visit San Diego and experience these encounters up close.