The Devil’s Chair – Lake Helen-Cassadaga Cemetery
Located within Lake Helen-Cassadaga Cemetery in Volusia County, Florida, the Devil’s Chair is a red-brick bench surrounded by decades of folklore. Just outside the Spiritualist community of Cassadaga, this simple cemetery feature has become one of Central Florida’s best-known legend sites, drawing paranormal enthusiasts, roadside oddity fans, and curious travelers.
The Legend
According to local lore, anyone who sits in the Devil’s Chair at midnight may hear a whisper, feel an unseen presence, or even encounter the Devil himself. Another long-circulating story claims that if someone leaves an unopened can of beer on the chair overnight, it will be found empty by morning while still appearing sealed. As with many haunted-place tales, believers point to the supernatural, while skeptics credit exaggeration, pranksters, or the power of suggestion.
History
The bench is generally understood to have been constructed in the early 20th century as a mourning bench or resting place for cemetery visitors. Features like this were once practical elements of cemetery design, offering a place to sit quietly during visits and services. Over time, as the original purpose of these benches became less familiar, stories and superstitions attached themselves to the site, eventually turning this modest structure into a Florida legend.
Visiting the Site
- Location: Lake Helen-Cassadaga Cemetery near the intersection of Root Street and West Kicklighter Road in Lake Helen, Florida.
- Access: The cemetery is generally visited during daytime hours. Access rules, gate hours, and enforcement may change, so follow all posted signs and do not enter after hours.
- Etiquette: This is an active cemetery, not a theme-park attraction. Be respectful, keep noise low, do not climb on graves or monuments, and leave nothing behind.
- Best expectations: Most visitors stop briefly for photos, local history, and the atmosphere of the area rather than a long outing.
Vicinity of Cassadaga
Nearby Attractions
- Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp: The historic Spiritualist community that made Cassadaga famous, with a walkable district, events, and services that vary by date.
- Hotel Cassadaga: A longtime landmark often associated with ghost stories, historic ambiance, and the town’s unusual reputation.
- Colby Memorial Temple: An important gathering place within the Cassadaga community and a key stop for visitors interested in the town’s Spiritualist history.
Why Visit?
The Devil’s Chair is less about spectacle and more about atmosphere. It offers a quick but memorable stop for travelers interested in Florida folklore, haunted-history road trips, and the distinctive character of the Cassadaga area. Whether you approach it as a legend, a historic cemetery detail, or simply a good story with staying power, it remains one of the state’s most talked-about eerie landmarks.
