14 Oceanfront Forts That Blend History and Haunting

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Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Puerto Rico

This iconic fort, located in San Juan, was built in the 16th century to defend Puerto Rico from pirates and foreign invaders. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the fort offers stunning views, but also carries a rich history marked by intense battles and sieges.

Many believe the fort is haunted due to its long history of conflict and death. Visitors often report hearing unexplained noises and feeling a chill in the air, particularly near the old sentry boxes.

Fort Zachary Taylor, Florida, USA

Fort Zachary Taylor, situated in Key West, is a well-preserved Civil War-era fort with beautiful ocean views. The fort was strategically placed to protect the Florida Keys from possible invasions and has served various military purposes throughout the years.

With its long history, the fort is believed to be haunted by soldiers who died during its operational years. Many people claim to hear footsteps and voices, especially around the fort’s dark, quiet corners.

Fort Louis, St. Martin

This 17th-century fort stands on a hill overlooking the bay of Marigot. Originally built by the French, it played a pivotal role in defending the island against British attacks. Today, it offers panoramic views of the island and the surrounding Caribbean Sea.

Visitors to Fort Louis often report a feeling of unease, with many claiming to have seen strange apparitions or heard distant cries. The fort’s isolation and historical significance have contributed to its reputation as a haunted location.

Fort Chambly, Canada

Fort Chambly, located on the Richelieu River, was built in the 17th century by the French to protect New France from British forces. This fortress has witnessed many battles and military actions, which have shaped its eerie reputation.

Some visitors report feeling watched or even hearing whispers when exploring the fort’s interior. The fortress’s connection to battles and its remote location adds to the unsettling atmosphere that many experience.

Fort Amsterdam, Curacao

Built in the 17th century by the Dutch to protect their colony in the Caribbean, Fort Amsterdam sits on the southern tip of Curacao, facing the turquoise waters. The fort has been involved in numerous military engagements over the centuries.

The fort is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of Dutch soldiers who perished in combat. Local legends speak of eerie voices and the sound of footsteps echoing in the night, making it a favorite among those interested in haunted places.

Fort Saint Elmo, Malta

Fort Saint Elmo, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in Valletta, Malta, was built by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century. The fort played a major role in defending the island against Ottoman forces during the Great Siege of 1565.

The fort’s bloody history has led to widespread reports of paranormal activity. Visitors often feel an intense sense of dread, and some claim to have witnessed ghostly soldiers or heard the sounds of combat from the past.

Fort George, Scotland

Located on the coast of the Moray Firth, Fort George was built after the Jacobite Rebellion to ensure the area’s security. Its commanding position by the sea made it a key military outpost during its active years.

Fort George is said to be haunted by soldiers who perished during the rebellion and subsequent military campaigns. Visitors have reported hearing marching footsteps and voices of soldiers during the night, enhancing the fort’s eerie reputation.

Fort Boyard, France

Located in the waters between the Ile d’Aix and the mainland of France, Fort Boyard was built in the 19th century as a military stronghold. It is now famous for its appearances in the television show “Fort Boyard,” but it has a dark and storied past.

The fort’s isolated location and its history of death and confinement have led many to believe it is haunted. People have claimed to experience feelings of anxiety or hear disembodied voices near the fort’s crumbling walls.

Fort Carre, France

Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in Antibes, Fort Carre was constructed in the 16th century to defend the region from pirate raids. The fort’s strategic location made it a key point of defense and a symbol of military power in its time.

Today, the fort is known for its haunting ambiance. Some visitors claim to hear distant cannon fire or the footsteps of long-dead soldiers, giving it a ghostly reputation among locals and tourists alike.

Fort Ticonderoga, New York, USA

Located on the shores of Lake Champlain, Fort Ticonderoga was originally built by the French in the 18th century. It played a significant role during the French and Indian War and later in the American Revolution.

Fort Ticonderoga’s long history of battles has led many to believe it is haunted by the spirits of soldiers who died there. Visitors report hearing unexplained footsteps, whispers, and even the sounds of cannons firing in the distance.

Fort St. Elmo, Malta

Fort St. Elmo, positioned at the entrance to the Grand Harbour in Valletta, Malta, was built by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century. It was famously part of the defense during the Great Siege of 1565.

The fort is notorious for its violent history, which many believe has left a lingering spiritual presence. Many visitors report hearing disembodied voices, feeling cold spots, and even seeing ghostly figures around the fort’s perimeter.

Fort William, Scotland

Fort William, located near the western Scottish Highlands, was built to suppress Jacobite uprisings during the 17th century. Positioned along the shores of Loch Linnhe, it played a major role in the military history of the region.

As with many forts, the site’s turbulent past has contributed to ghostly legends. Many people claim to feel uneasy near the fort, and several visitors have reported ghost sightings and eerie sounds, particularly at dusk.

Fort San Cristobal, Puerto Rico

Built by the Spanish in the 18th century, Fort San Cristobal is one of the largest and most impressive military structures in the Caribbean. It played a crucial role in defending San Juan against both land and sea attacks.

Due to its long history and the violent clashes it witnessed, Fort San Cristobal is said to be haunted by spirits of the past. Visitors often report strange occurrences, including the sensation of being watched and unexplained noises coming from the fort’s chambers.

Fort St. Michael, Malta

Fort St. Michael, built by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century, is perched above the Mediterranean Sea on the island of Malta. It played a key role in defending the island from Ottoman invasions and is rich in military history.

Many who visit Fort St. Michael report a sense of being watched and occasionally hear distant voices. The fort’s bloody history, combined with its stunning location, makes it a place of both beauty and eerie encounters.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.