The story of the haunted Roche Harbor Resort is quite well - known. The apparition of the woman in white there has been reported by many over the years. It gives the resort an air of mystery.
The haunted lighthouse story is popular too. The idea of a lonely lighthouse keeper's ghost still lingering around the place he once worked adds to the allure of the spooky tales of San Juan Island. There are often local legends passed down through generations that keep these stories alive and well - known.
The phantom ship sightings off the island's coast are also well - known. It has intrigued sailors and locals alike. Some believe it's a reminder of the island's maritime history and the perils of the sea.
A popular ghost story is that of the headless horseman who rides around the perimeter of the San Juan Capistrano Mission. Some think he was a soldier who lost his head in battle. His presence is often accompanied by the sound of a galloping horse in the still of the night. This story has been passed down through generations and adds to the mystery and allure of the mission. It might be a combination of local folklore and the historical significance of the area that has given birth to such a spooky tale.
A story about a phantom horse and rider is also popular. The rider is said to gallop through the island's forests at night. No one knows who the rider was in life, but the sound of hoofbeats in the still of the night can send shivers down your spine. Some think it could be a lost soul from the island's past.
Some say that at night, you can hear the cries and whispers of the dead on Poveglia Island. This is because of the large number of people who died there in a very cruel and difficult way. The collective memory of all that death seems to have left a spectral presence. There are reports of strange lights as well, which might be related to these ghostly manifestations.
A story about a phantom boatman is also quite famous. It is said that there was once a boatman who had an accident on the waters around Roosevelt Island. His spirit is now seen on moonlit nights, rowing a phantom boat near the shore. It's a spooky sight for those who are out late at night.
A very well - known San Juan ghost story is that of the lady in the veil. She is often seen in the old cemetery. It is believed that she was a noblewoman who was buried alive by mistake. Her figure, draped in a white veil, is said to float among the tombstones, giving chills to those who are brave enough to visit the cemetery at night. This story has been a part of San Juan's spooky lore for a long time and has attracted many curious people who want to catch a glimpse of the ghostly lady.
The ghosts at the old San Antonio jail are also famous. It was a place of much suffering. Inmates who died there are said to haunt the cells. People who have visited the now - abandoned jail claim to have felt cold spots and heard strange noises, as if the prisoners are still there, lamenting their fates.
The most well - known might be the one about the haunted lighthouse. The lighthouse has a long history, and with that history comes the legend of the keeper's ghost. His presence is felt by many who visit at night. It gives an eerie feeling, as if you're being watched by someone from a different time.
The story of the club member's ghost is quite well - known. People see his apparition as a sign of the club's long and storied past. It's a connection to the old days of the club when it was a hub for the rich and famous.
A story about a ghostly child is also famous. Legend has it that a child got lost around the lighthouse area and unfortunately perished. Now, visitors sometimes report hearing the faint laughter or footsteps of a child. It's a spooky reminder of the area's past tragedies. The lighthouse, being such a prominent and somewhat isolated structure, seems to be a perfect place for such ghostly tales to be centered around.
One famous San Juan Island ghost story is about the Roche Harbor Resort. There are tales of a spectral woman in white. Legend has it that she was a jilted lover who died in despair long ago. People claim to have seen her wandering the grounds, especially near the old hotel buildings at night.