When the Gilchrist County Jail was listed for sale 40 days ago, it didn’t take long for news about the haunted jail to make the headlines. One of the early ones came from the Orlando Sentinel: “‘Haunted’ Florida jail and tourist destination up for sale.” It has stayed in the headlines ever since.
But why? It’s a reasonably well-known investigation destination for ghost hunters, but it’s not one most salivate to get to or list on their ultimate ghost hunt bucket lists.
Was it because of the asking price? The eight bedrooms, eight baths, two-story “home” was listed for $139,900. That’s not a bad price for what’s described as “an awesome turnkey tourist-related business opportunity!”
Speaking of its description, let’s take a look at that.
Haunted Jail Listing
Here’s the description from the agents selling the jail, Watson Realty Corp:
GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO OWN THE ONLY DECOMMISSIONED, CERTIFIABLY HAUNTED JAIL IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA! AS SEEN ON TV AND THROUGHOUT THE WEB The old Gilchrist county jail in Trenton is a very unique attraction for those thrill seekers out there whom over the years have come from all over the world to document the heavy paranormal activity that frequently occurs inside and outside of the jail. See apparitions walking around the grounds in broad day. Possibly the spirits within will voice whats on their mind when you arrive before you even make it inside. This location was used as the Gilchrist county jail actively from 1928 to 1968 with the home/living addition to the jail was actually built in 1966 just 2 years before ceasing operation. Home to years of grisly stand offs, killings and much more its no surprise this location is loaded with visible and Audible paranormal activity. Can you can believe years ago they would lock the prisoners in and there would be no one in the jail with them? As you can imagine that opened the door up for extreme nefarious activity. The Old Gilchrist county jail is still operating tours and having paranormal ghost club meetings. This is an awesome turnkey tourist related business opportunity!
Haunted Jail Sale Pending
As the story of the haunted Florida jail has gained steam, the headlines have started honing in on a certain sensational part of the description: the “certifiably haunted jail” part.
I covered the problem with that in another post. While researching it, I noticed all the publicity may have paid off. The jail is now listed as “pending.”
That didn’t take long.
The Jail’s Fate
Who might have bought the haunted Gilchrist County Jail? Will they still offer tours, host “paranormal ghost club” meetings, and allow investigations? Do they have any plans to renovate or clean it up?
And what is the story with this bunk?
So many questions. If I find any answers, I’ll be sure to pass them along. Feel free to leave a comment if you hear anything too.
Check-In
If you had an extra $140k laying around, would you consider investing in a haunted property like this?
Courtney Mroch is a globe-trotting restless spirit who’s both possessed by wanderlust and the spirit of adventure, and obsessed with true crime, horror, the paranormal, and weird days. Perhaps it has something to do with her genes? She is related to occult royalty, after all. Marie Laveau, the famous Voodoo practitioner of New Orleans, is one of her ancestors. (Yes, really! As explained here.) That could also explain her infatuation with skeletons.
Speaking of mystical, to learn how Courtney channeled her battle with cancer to conjure up this site, check out HJ’s Origin Story.
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Even if it were in great condition, I don’t think I’d want a building with such a sad, angst-filled history.
Well said.