Back in the 1880s, the strange-tasting water at Vishnu Springs, named after a Hindu god, was thought to have healing properties. Holiness Camp Meetings of folks who wanted to partake of the magical waters drew 3,000 people to the area, and a town was formed. Witnesses say the area is haunted by phantom sounds of blacksmith shopwork and other town sounds, as well as a ghostly woman in black who has been seen walking the streets. The area is now closed to the public and trespassers are prosecuted.
Vishnu Springs
Point Isabel Lighthouse
The Point (Port) Isabel Lighthouse, built in 1852, was used temporarily by Civil War soldiers from both sides as a look-out post. Its light was extinguished in 1905 and the land was purchased by a private owner and was eventually preserved as a historic site. Now, a ghostly Lighthouse Angel is said to reside here, seen by many visitors, and many disembodied voices have been recorded.
Mary Jane's 1896 Cafe and Pub
Mary Jane’s 1896 Bar & Grille is also known as “The 1896” — and the place was, in fact, built in 1896. Legend has it that there were several deaths, including murders and suicides, in the apartment above it, and the resultant ghosts like to play pranks. One ghost likes dimes, and it is said that those who set a dime somewhere on the premises will find it the next day on the bar. The ghosts also have been known to throw bottle caps, pans, and bricks, and lock people in the restrooms.
Home Depot
This Home Depot is rumored to be haunted by a ghost employees call Fred. Actually, according to a report, the ghost is a craftsman named Herbert who passed away at age 74 in his workshop. He was cremated, and his ashes were let go in the outdoor garden section of Home Depot, to let him rest in peace in the store that he loved. Witnesses have seen apparitions in this section.
Belaire Theatre - Artisan Center Theatre
Artisan Center Theatre, formerly the Belaire Theatre, is rumored to be home to a former projectionist who had a heart attack and died while on the job. Witnesses say there are also a ghost girl, with whom folks have interacted, and the spirit of a man named Neil, who’s not very nice. Witnesses hear strange sounds and voices, and water and lights come on by themselves.
Southwind Inn
Visitors–and staff members, too–have reported seeing apparitions at the Southwind Inn. According to reports, there are ghost children and a Victorian-era lady on the inn’s the third floor.
Port Isabel Cemetery
Port Isabel Cemetery began with workers on El Fronton de Santa Isabel Ranch since the 1840s, although the oldest gravestones that still stand are from the 1880s. It became a Catholic cemetery (French Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate) in 1849, but folks of all faiths are buried here. The apparition of a little boy is said to wander throughout the cemetery.
Port Isabel Historical Museum
Port Isabel Historical Museum inside the Champion Building was constructed in 1899 as a dry goods store and a private home. It houses Mexican artifacts from the U.S.-Mexican War and sports a well-known fish mural painted a local fisherman in 1906. The museum is thought to be haunted by a ghost cat and a little boy.
Goatman's Bridge - Old Alton Bridge
The Old Alton Bridge, aka the Goatman’s Bridge, is rumored to be a site where satanic practices have occurred, and as a result, a half-goat, half-man creature was conjured up. According to the legend, those who parked on the bridge and honked three times would call up the Goatman. Reports say that the Old Alton Bridge is gated off now, and there is a new Old Alton Bridge.
Bethel Cemetery
Bethel Cemetery, founded in 1853, reportedly contains a haunted grave marked with strange symbols. Legend has it that photographs of this grave, belonging to Oda Kirby (“Lived and Died Sept 17, 1909”), will all turn out overexposed.
