Fort Matanzas is described as a potentially haunted site due to its name, which refers to the 1565 massacre of French Huguenots by the Spanish, and its history of conflict and fortification construction. While reports of hauntings at Fort Matanzas are less detailed than at Castillo de San Marcos, visitors have noted paranormal experiences including seeing shadow figures and feeling watched. The name "Matanzas" itself means "slaughter" in Spanish and refers to a historical massacre of French soldiers in 1565, an event with lingering spiritual significance. The fort was built as a defensive structure, reflecting a period of intense conflict and skirmishes in the area. Some visitors have reported experiencing phenomena like seeing shadow figures.