Historic Cemetery with a Haunted Reputation
Just outside St. Augustine’s 1808 City Gate, the Huguenot Cemetery—historically known as the St. Augustine Public Burying Ground—served as the city’s principal Protestant burial ground from 1821 until 1884. Established during a yellow fever crisis shortly after Florida passed from Spain to the United States, the site is believed to contain more than 400 burials. Today, it is valued both for its early-American history and for the ghost stories that have become part of St. Augustine folklore.
Historical Snapshot
- 1821: As Florida transferred from Spanish to U.S. control, local officials established a public burying ground outside the city gate for non-Catholic burials, including victims of yellow fever.
- 1832–1884: The grounds came under Presbyterian oversight for much of their active use. Burials eventually ceased as newer cemeteries opened.
- Today: Preservation-minded volunteers and local supporters help care for the site, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2021.
Ghostly Residents & Legends
- Judge John B. Stickney – One of the cemetery’s best-known legends centers on Stickney, whose remains were reportedly exhumed in 1909 for reburial in Washington, D.C. Storytellers say thieves stole his gold dental work during the process, and some visitors claim to glimpse a tall man in dark clothing near the entrance.
- Elizabeth / the 14-Year-Old Girl – Local lore speaks of a young yellow-fever victim left at the City Gate and buried in a pauper’s grave. Reports of soft crying, a pale figure in white, and sudden disappearances have helped keep the story alive on ghost tours.
- Yellow-Fever Victims – Because so many early burials took place during an epidemic, the cemetery is often linked to tales of drifting lights, cold spots, and uneasy feelings along the rear wall and among the old markers.
Whether taken literally or simply as part of the city’s storytelling tradition, these accounts have helped make Huguenot Cemetery one of St. Augustine’s most talked-about haunted sites.
Visiting Information
- Location – Just outside the City Gate near Orange Street and A1A in St. Augustine’s historic district.
- Public Access – Most visitors experience the cemetery from outside the fence, which helps protect fragile monuments and the historic grounds. Limited open-gate days, preservation events, or special programs may be offered from time to time, so check locally if interior access is important to your visit.
- Photography – Photos from the public sidewalk and fence line are generally possible year-round. Interior photography is typically limited to times when the grounds are officially open.
- Ghost & History Tours – Many St. Augustine ghost and history tours discuss the cemetery or stop outside its gates. Tour routes, timing, and any interior access vary by operator and permissions.
Vicinity of the Cemetery
Nearby Points of Interest
- St. Augustine City Gate – The Spanish-era coquina gateway stands just steps away and helps place the cemetery in its original edge-of-town setting.
- Castillo de San Marcos – The famous waterfront fort is an easy walk from the cemetery.
- Old Jail Museum – Another well-known haunted stop in St. Augustine’s visitor circuit.
- St. George Street – A pedestrian-friendly corridor of shops, museums, and cafés nearby.
Visitor Tips
- Expect Exterior Viewing: On many days, the cemetery is best appreciated from outside the fence, so plan accordingly if you hope to walk inside.
- Be Respectful: This is a protected historic burial ground. Do not climb fences, touch fragile stones, leave offerings, or attempt gravestone rubbings.
- Pair It with Nearby Sights: The City Gate, St. George Street, and the Castillo are all close enough to combine into a short historic-district walk.
- Dress for the Season: Summer can be hot, humid, and buggy, while cooler months are more comfortable for walking and evening sightseeing.
Why Visit?
Huguenot Cemetery offers a compact but memorable glimpse into St. Augustine’s 19th-century past. Even if you only view it from the sidewalk, the old markers, iron fence, and proximity to the City Gate create a strong sense of place. For history lovers, cemetery enthusiasts, and fans of haunted lore alike, it remains one of the Ancient City’s most atmospheric stops.
