Most Haunted Places in America: Hemingway House
On the south side of Key West Florida lays one of the most haunted places in the America, the Hemingway House holds not only the legacy of its owner Ernest Hemingway, but his undying spirit still roams the property over 48 years later. Known as one of the most prominent authors of the 20th century, Ernest Hemingway lived in the mansion on the south end of Key West Florida from 1931-1940 and owned the magnificent structure until his death in 1961.
He wrote some of his best literary works while living in the home such as A Farewell to Arms, For Whom the Bell Tolls, and Snow of Kilimanjaro. He moved out of the home in 1940 and participated in World War II with the Navy and attended the Spanish Civil War to report on its happenings with Northern America. Today the home is a museum that focuses on the author and his legendary life and literary works.
Built in 1851 by Asa Tift the colonial southern style home was created with limestone that was quarried from the site. Because of its location and building materials used , the home has withstood several hurricanes over the decade and a half that the Hemingway House has been around. It was uniquely decorated with furnishings that were brought by his wife Paulina when she lived in Paris among the several collectible paintings that filled the room by Hemingway himself. One of the most unique pieces of the home was a fountain that was once a urinal at Sloppy Joe’s, which was a local bar owned by his close friend Joe Russel. Its also home to the largest pool in Key West which is 65 feet long and 9 feet deep which unlike other pools was filled with salt water. The house became a part of the National Historic Society shortly after his death.
The house is not only well known for the rich history on Hemingway’s life but its also known for the descendants of his cats. These are not just ordinary cats, each one has 6 to 7 toes on each paw. In total there are about 60 cats that roam around the Hemingway property. It has also been told by Patrick, Ernest Hemingway’s son that his father had owned peacocks while living in Key West. These cats are a main attraction at the museum and patrons enjoy watching them run around the property.
Over the years thousands of visitors have walked through the halls of the now museum have not only explored the life and legacy of Hemingway’s work, but some have said to have seen the spirit of Ernest himself! People have claimed that they have seen his apparition walking along the balcony and other have heard him typing away on his typewriter when they would walk past the writing room. These strange occurrences began shortly after his suicide in 1961.
Take a trip over to Key West and explore the sights and sounds. While you are there take a look at the Hemingway House and have a meal at Sloppy Joe’s where visitors can sit at the same bar stool as the author himself. You just might meet the renowned author while out taking a guided tour at his famous home.
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