Dauphin Island is filled with haunted tales. With a rich and thought-provoking history, Dauphin Island lore hints that deceased souls might haunt some parts of the island. It’s not just hyperbole. Early French explorers actually nicknamed the area “Massacre Island.”
The spirit of the dead lingers ever-so precariously over the sights and sounds of Dauphin Island around Halloween. It’s in the air, and for those with an interest in history and the supernatural, this energy is simply you certainly don’t want to skip out on this fall season.
These Dauphin Island ghost stories are only worth exploring in person for the most courageous this Fall, while staying in one of our luxurious Gulf Coast beachfront house rentals.
Ancient Burial Ground
Although some places claim to be an ancient Native American burial ground, Dauphin Island really was one! Parts of the island were used to bury the dead of the local tribes, including Shell Mound Park on the island. When the French found the island in their travels, they found piles of sun-drenched bones coating the shell mounds.
These sites were sacred to the local populations. Stories linger about people hearing delicate music floating away near the shell mounds at night. Tribal drums have been reported to bang lightly over melodious chanting.
Two Homes by Fort Gaines
Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island has its own riveting ghost history, and many sights and ghost stories have been documented in and around the fort (including people seeing a military-dressed gentleman staring off into the gulf water).
There were two properties resting near this Civil War construction. One of the properties was in superior condition, so it was relocated to a bustling area off Bienville Blvd. After reconstruction began, construction workers kept being scared out of the home.
The home restoration was scrapped, and the property still stands today in utter disarray. Even to now, individuals have documented seeing faces in the windows and locals have called the police thinking someone was in the abandoned home!
Cadillac Square
Cadillac Square is a very small park with some pretty views and some short walking paths. Over the years, locals have reported seeing a figure in the park. It is a woman wearing a bag over her head, digging around frantically for an unknown something. Nowadays, the park is virtually empty at night.
Haunts in Mobile, AL
Not every haunt is found on the coast of Alabama. Head up to Mobile, AL to hear about many unnerving haunted tales. The USS Alabama is a top attraction. This 689-foot ship was used in a multitude of World War II conflicts from 1943 to 1945 until it was officially decommissioned decades later.
The USS Alabama had some wins, and losses, but the ship was notorious for accidental firings and friendly fire-related deaths. Eight men died on the ship after turrets misfired.
This history looms over its halls, making for some of the most unnerving Dauphin Island ghost stories. You can go inside the USS Alabama on a tour and hear the ship’s stories. But, you are certain to hear about a few ghostly tales, with many having occurred on the ship in recent years. Apparitions have been seen in the officer’s quarters and solid steel hatchways have been reported to slam shut.
Halloween on Dauphin Island
Halloween is a great time to come to Dauphin Island. You can just feel the scares in the air. The spooky ambiance of the island is palatable. Green Park is a common place to go trick-or-treating on Dauphin Island. Green Park is located at 302 Lemoyne Dr, Dauphin Island, AL 36528. Families are encouraged to come on by, as locals will dress up and share candy. It’s a popular event. Visitors can enjoy family-friendly activities and security.
Green Park is only a short walk from Indian Shell Mound Park, which was once home to piles upon piles of skeletons, buried to history.
With many souls lost to the gulf waters, the long-standing presence of the fort, and the many old homes scattered about, Dauphin Island is a haven of spirits and ghosts from past walks of life. You can see it all as you experience a spooky-filled vacation getaway at one of our captivating gulf coast beachfront house rentals.
Are you dreaming about your beach vacation? Start planning your trip and find the perfect Dauphin Island vacation rental for you: