About This Location
The oldest existing European-origin cemetery in Florida, dating to 1777 when it served as the burial ground for the Tolomato Indian Mission. Contains the graves of early Spanish settlers, Catholic priests, and victims of disease and war.
The Ghost Story
Tolomato Cemetery is the oldest extant planned cemetery in Florida, with burials beginning during the First Spanish Period (1565-1763). Originally the site of a Franciscan mission built for Guale Indians from Georgia, this sacred ground now holds more than 1,000 souls from Spain, Africa, Italy, Greece, Corsica, Germany, Ireland, Haiti, Cuba, and Canada.
The cemetery's most famous legend involves a young woman nearly buried alive. According to local tradition, as family carried her body to Tolomato in a seated position (a family custom), the procession passed beneath an Apopinax tree. A branch punctured her forehead, causing blood to pour from the wound. Colonel Smith witnessed what appeared to be a blink—and insisted she was not dead. Days later, the woman awoke, living another six years before dying again. Colonel Smith is credited with saving her from being buried alive.
Multiple yellow fever epidemics in 1821, 1839, and 1877 filled Tolomato with victims who died horrible deaths. Mass graves were dug to accommodate the overwhelming dead. Archaeological exhumations at the adjacent Huguenot Cemetery revealed fingernails embedded in the underside of coffin lids—evidence that some fever victims had been buried alive.
A child yellow fever victim named Elizabeth reportedly haunts the area near the Old City Gate, waving to passersby. Her mournful cries echo through the night.
Tolomato produces more paranormal photographs per square foot than any other St. Augustine location. Cameras capture apparitions invisible to the naked eye, faces appear in shadows, and historical figures manifest in modern photos. Electronic Voice Phenomena recordings have captured whispers and unexplained sounds.
The cemetery is closed to the general public except for special tours and preservation work.
Researched from 6 verified sources including historical records, local archives, and paranormal research organizations. Learn about our research process.
