House of Refuge at Gilbert's Bar, Stuart


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The House of Refuge at Gilbert's Bar is said to be haunted by several spirits, including the Ais Native American people, pirate Captain Don Pedro Gibert, a former keeper Susan Bessey, and the victims of the Georges Valentine shipwreck. While its primary purpose was to assist shipwrecked sailors, the historic building now functions as a museum and is the oldest surviving structure in Martin County, Florida, offering a glimpse into the area's rich maritime history. Ais Native Americans: The original inhabitants of the area are said to linger around the property. Captain Don Pedro Gibert: A pirate whose spirit is believed to be tied to the location. Susan Bessey: The co-keeper of the House of Refuge from 1890 to 1902, whose ghost may still be present. Georges Valentine Shipwreck Victims: The souls of those who perished when the vessel wrecked nearby are also believed to haunt the site. Built in 1876, the House of Refuge at Gilbert's Bar is the last remaining of the ten original Houses of Refuge built along the Florida coast. These houses served as vital safe havens for shipwrecked sailors along the dangerous Atlantic coast. Today, the restored building functions as a museum, displaying artifacts from its maritime past and offering insight into the lives of its keepers.

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