Cooley's Landing Park in Fort Lauderdale is haunted by the tragic history of its original settlers, the Cooley family. The park, once the family's homestead, is believed to be the site of a brutal massacre that killed the wife and children of William Cooley, a prominent early resident. This traumatic event has cemented the location's place in local ghost stories and legends. In the 1830s, William Cooley, a successful farmer and judge, lived with his family on the banks of the New River at the site of the present-day park. During a period of unrest, a group of Native Americans attacked the Cooley home while William was away. His wife, children, and a visiting tutor were killed during the raid. When Cooley returned, he found his home burned and his family slaughtered, an event that marked the beginning of the Second Seminole War. The tragedy created a powerful, lingering sense of anguish and violence tied to the location. Visitors and local paranormal enthusiasts have claimed to experience supernatural phenomena related to the Cooley family's fate. Some people have reported hearing disembodied screams and crying, believed to be the family's last moments. Apparitions, possibly of the Cooley family, have been seen wandering near the river and park area. Feelings of sadness, cold spots, or other strange occurrences have been reported by those sensitive to paranormal activity.