Episode 596: Spooky Lighthouses: Volume 4
In this Morbid podcast episode, the hosts explore the haunting histories of two lighthouses - Cape Romaine in South Carolina and Little Ross in Scotland. Both sites have grim pasts rife with fatal shipwrecks, violent crimes, and ghostly tales.
The episode dives into the tragedies surrounding these lighthouses, from deadly wrecks caused by confusing beacons to the chilling 1960 murder at Little Ross of one keeper by another. Claims of paranormal activity, from unexplained bloodstains to eerie footsteps, are also examined, leaving listeners to ponder the supernatural auras that may linger.
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1-Page Summary
Haunted lighthouses and their histories
The Cape Romaine Lighthouse in South Carolina had a history of fatal shipwrecks due to its location and confusion with a nearby windmill.
In the early 1800s, as hosts recount, many ships confused a local windmill for the Charleston Lighthouse, leading to numerous crashes and deaths. The lack of a navigational cross symbol and dim lighting contributed to the tragedies, prompting the 1827 construction of the Cape Romaine Lighthouse.
The Little Ross Lighthouse in Scotland had a dark and violent history.
In 1960, a visiting David Colin and his father discovered the lighthouse keepers had mysteriously disappeared. As Alaina Urquhart reports, keeper Hugh Clark was found shot dead, while his assistant Robert Dixon fled, only to be arrested, convicted of murder, and sentenced to death before dying of an overdose in prison.
Paranormal activity and alleged ghostly occurrences at lighthouses
The Cape Romain Lighthouse is said to be haunted.
Former keepers August Wickman and his son reported unexplained bloodstains, ghostly footsteps, and other paranormal phenomena. Ash Kelley recounts hearing footsteps in an empty house, which Alaina Urquhart suggests could be linked to the keeper's murdered wife, potentially buried on-site.
The Little Ross Lighthouse also has a reputation for being haunted after the 1960 murder.
Following Hugh Clark's murder, some visitors claimed hearing voices and seeing apparitions, though friends note Clark's gentle nature.
Tragic incidents and crimes connected to lighthouses
The Cape Romaine Lighthouse had a history of fatal shipwrecks and a mysterious murder.
In 1873, the body of the keeper's wife was found with her throat cut, raising unanswered questions about whether she was murdered or committed suicide. Her belongings were missing, and her final resting place is unknown.
The Little Ross Lighthouse saw a violent crime when one keeper murdered the other.
As David Collin likened it to the Flannan mystery, Robert Dixon killed Hugh Clark, likely while he slept, and stole money from him. Dixon's mental state was examined, and though sentenced to death, he died in prison.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The connection between shipwrecks and the confusion with a nearby windmill at Cape Romaine Lighthouse may be oversimplified; other factors such as weather conditions, navigational errors, or the state of maritime technology at the time could also have contributed to the shipwrecks.
- The assertion that paranormal activity is linked to the Cape Romain Lighthouse and the Little Ross Lighthouse could be challenged by the lack of empirical evidence supporting the existence of ghosts or hauntings.
- The interpretation of unexplained phenomena such as bloodstains or footsteps as paranormal in nature could be contested by alternative explanations like environmental factors, wildlife, or human activity that was not accounted for.
- The claim that the keeper's murdered wife at Cape Romain Lighthouse is potentially buried on-site and causing paranormal activity could be disputed due to a lack of archaeological evidence confirming the burial location.
- The idea that Hugh Clark's gentle nature would influence the presence or absence of paranormal activity at Little Ross Lighthouse could be seen as subjective and not necessarily indicative of post-mortem occurrences.
- The suggestion that Robert Dixon's actions were influenced by his mental state could be countered by the argument that not all violent acts are a result of mental illness, and such statements could perpetuate stigma.
- The assumption that the keeper's wife at Cape Romaine Lighthouse committed suicide could be questioned due to the lack of conclusive evidence, and alternative scenarios could be considered.
- The comparison of the Little Ross Lighthouse murder to the Flannan Isles mystery could be criticized for potentially drawing parallels between two distinct events without sufficient basis for comparison.
Actionables
- You can explore the psychological impact of historical tragedies by journaling your thoughts and feelings after visiting local historical sites with dark pasts. When you visit, take time to reflect on the atmosphere and any emotions that arise. Write down your observations and consider how the history might affect the present-day character of the place. For example, if you feel a chill in a room where something tragic is said to have happened, note that and ponder on the power of storytelling in shaping our perception of places.
- Enhance your understanding of maritime safety by creating a simple tabletop game that simulates the challenges faced by sailors navigating near lighthouses. Use common household items like a lamp to represent the lighthouse, and paper boats to navigate a course on your dining table. Introduce variables such as dim lighting or obstacles to represent the historical conditions that led to shipwrecks. This hands-on activity can provide insight into the importance of clear navigation aids and the dangers sailors faced.
- Develop empathy for historical figures by writing short fictional stories based on the lives of lighthouse keepers and their families. Use the facts you know as a framework but fill in the gaps with your imagination to bring their experiences to life. For instance, you might write a story from the perspective of a lighthouse keeper dealing with isolation or the family of the keeper coping with the eerie environment. This creative exercise can help you connect with the human element behind historical events and consider the personal stories that often go untold.
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Haunted lighthouses and their histories
Haunted lighthouses are storied fixtures along coastlines, often accompanied by tragic histories. Two such lighthouses, the Cape Romaine Lighthouse in South Carolina and the Little Ross Lighthouse in Scotland, offer tales of shipwrecks, confusion, and murder, cementing their place in dark lore.
The Cape Romaine Lighthouse in South Carolina had a history of fatal shipwrecks due to its location and the confusion with a nearby windmill
Located in McClellanville, South Carolina, the Cape Romaine Lighthouse is mired in a history of fatal shipwrecks. The Raccoon Keys and Cape Romaine are situated in treacherous waters, which, in the early 1800s, claimed numerous ships that confused a nearby windmill for the Charleston Lighthouse; the windmill resembled a lighthouse when its blades were removed. The decision to erect an actual lighthouse at Cape Romaine was due to these shipwrecks and the omission of a cross symbol that was meant to aid navigation.
In the early 1800s, many ships mistook a nearby windmill for the Charleston lighthouse and tragically crashed, resulting in numerous deaths
Hosts recollect the construction of the original lighthouse on Raccoon Key in March 1827, which stood at 65 feet and was built of brick, complete with a keeper's residence. Despite its presence, mariners complained about its dim light, further compounded by the Spanish schooner Diamante's crash in 1816, which resulted in the death of 21 lives.
The National Advocate newspaper in New York City reported several shipwrecks attributable to the confusion with the Charleston light, and one Edmund Blount, in 1817, warned the owner of the deceptive windmill on Cape Romain of a presumed curse laid upon anyone who leads mariners astray.
The Little Ross Lighthouse in Scotland had a dark and violent history
The idyllic setting of the Little Ross Lighthouse belies its violent past that came to light in August 1960. David Colin and his father, on a visit to Little Ross Island, discovered the disappearance of the lighthouse keepers from their cottages.
In 1960, the lighthouse keepers were found in mysterious circumstances, with one killed by a gunshot wound to the head
Hugh Clark, the keeper of the lighthouse, was found dead with a gunshot wound to his left eye, which was so severe that the bullet fell out upon formal examin ...
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Haunted lighthouses and their histories
Additional Materials
Actionables
- Explore local history by visiting nearby historical sites to learn about their past and any notable events, much like the stories of the lighthouses. You can start by checking out historical markers, museums, or taking part in a guided tour to get a sense of the events that shaped your area.
- Create a personal safety checklist for any adventurous activities you partake in, inspired by the navigational errors that led to shipwrecks. Before embarking on activities like boating, hiking, or even road trips, ensure you have proper navigation tools, inform someone about your plans, and check weather conditions to prevent mishaps.
- Engage in creative writing by ...
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Paranormal activity and alleged ghostly occurrences at lighthouses
Lighthouses, with their isolated locations and sometimes tragic histories, are naturally ripe for tales of the supernatural. Stories of ghostly phenomena at the Cape Romain Lighthouse and the Little Ross Lighthouse are cases in point, with reports of spooky experiences that continue to intrigue visitors and ghost hunters.
The Cape Romain Lighthouse is said to be haunted, with reports of unexplained blood stains, ghostly footsteps, and other paranormal phenomena
August Frederick Wickman and his son, both keepers at the Cape Romain Lighthouse, claimed to have experienced haunting phenomena during their tenure. Bloodstains that appeared in the keeper's residence seemed to have a paranormal aspect; despite attempts to clean them, they persisted, fading and darkening inexplicably. Droplets of blood were also reported around the residence, and multiple residents described hearing soft, unexplained footsteps ascending and descending the lighthouse's 195 steps.
The lighthouse keeper's murdered wife may still be buried on the grounds, and her spirit is believed to linger
Ash Kelley recounts an unsettling experience of hearing footsteps when the house was otherwise empty. According to Alaina Urquhart, these disturbances could be linked to the story of the keeper's wife, who was murdered and laid in a temporary grave at the site. There’s uncertainty surrounding whether her body was ever moved fr ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Paranormal activity and alleged ghostly occurrences at lighthouses
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Skepticism about the paranormal:
- There is no scientific evidence to support the existence of ghosts or paranormal phenomena, so the reported experiences at the Cape Romain Lighthouse and the Little Ross Lighthouse could have natural explanations.
- Psychological explanations:
- The experiences of ghostly phenomena could be attributed to psychological factors such as the power of suggestion, where the eerie history of the places influences visitors' perceptions and experiences.
- Environmental factors:
- Environmental factors such as the sound of the wind, the creaking of old structures, and the isolation of lighthouses can create eerie sounds and feelings that may be misinterpreted as paranormal activity.
- Misinterpretation of events:
- Bloodstains and other phenomena could be the result of environmental factors or human actions that have been misinterpreted or embellished over time into ghost stories.
- Confirmation bias:
- People visiting a place with a reputation for being haunted may be more likely to interpret ambiguous stimuli as confirming the presence of ghosts due to pre-existing beliefs or ...
Actionables
- You can explore local history by visiting a nearby historical site and documenting any unusual occurrences or stories you encounter. Bring a journal to record your observations, and if you're comfortable, share your findings on social media to engage with others interested in paranormal history.
- Enhance your storytelling skills by writing a short story inspired by the tales of haunted lighthouses. Use the elements of suspense and the supernatural to craft a narrative that captures the eerie atmosphere of such locations, then share it with friends or a writing group for feedback.
- Develop your photography hobby by capturing ...
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Tragic incidents and crimes connected to lighthouses
Lighthouses, often seen as beacons of safety, have been the scenes of mysterious and violent events through history.
The Cape Romaine Lighthouse had a history of fatal shipwrecks and a mysterious murder of the lighthouse keeper's wife
On April 8th, 1873, the body of the lighthouse keeper's wife at the Cape Romaine Lighthouse was discovered by her husband, Captain Andrew Johnson. She was found with her throat cut, a razor and a revolver by her side. Her jewelry was missing, and a significant sum of money had recently been withdrawn from the bank. The bedroom where her body was found was ransacked, and the door showed signs of tampering, with the key suggestive of internal locking. There were conflicting reports about their marriage's stability and her well-being, with indications of previous suicidal thoughts but also of a happy union.
The question of whether the lighthouse keeper's wife was murdered or committed suicide remains a mystery. Her money and jewelry were never recovered, and no clear evidence pointed to the existence of an intruder, considering the remote location accessible only by boat. Another unsettled element is the final resting place of the victim's body, as it was placed in a temporary grave with no confirmation if she was ever moved.
The Little Ross Lighthouse saw a violent crime when one of the keepers was murdered by the other
In an unrelated yet equally tragic event, the Little Ross Lighthouse became the site of a grim crime when the assistant keeper, Robert Dixon, murdered the head keeper, Hugh Clark. It is believed Clark was asleep and thus vulnerable when Dixon k ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Tragic incidents and crimes connected to lighthouses
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can explore historical true crime by starting a journal where you document similar cases, noting patterns or unique elements in each. This activity sharpens your analytical skills and provides a deeper understanding of historical crimes. For example, you might compare the motives in different lighthouse keeper crimes and see if isolation played a role in each.
- Create a safety checklist for solitary work environments based on the incidents at the lighthouses to ensure your own workspace is secure and supportive. This could include regular mental health check-ins, establishing clear communication protocols, and creating a conflict resolution plan. For instance, if you work from home, set up regular virtual coffee breaks with colleagues to maintain social contact.
- Develop a creative writing piece inspired by the ...
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