The Haunting of the Deering Estate
Nestled in Palmetto Bay, the Deering Estate in Miami-Dade County in Florida is a captivating historical site comprising an old wooden house and a three-story stone mansion spread across 444 acres of land. With its rich history dating back to the 19th century, the Deering Estate has become renowned not only for its architectural beauty but also for its paranormal activity. This elegant estate, surrounded by natural beauty and situated near Biscayne Bay, has drawn the attention of paranormal investigators and enthusiasts due to the reported ghostly encounters and unexplained phenomena that occur on its grounds. Let us delve into the history of this location and explore the haunting tales that have made it a fascinating destination for those seeking a brush with the supernatural.
The History of the Deering Estate
The Deering Estate encompasses the Richmond Cottage, a charming wooden house constructed in 1896, which stands as the sole remaining structure from the former settlement of Cutler. In 1916, industrialist Charles Deering purchased the cottage and later built the imposing stone mansion in 1922, which would become the centerpiece of the estate. The property also contains a Native American burial mound, providing evidence of human occupation on the site dating back 10,000 years.
Following Charles Deering’s ownership, the estate passed through several hands until the Deering family’s last heir passed away in 1985. Recognizing its historical significance, the state of Florida and Miami-Dade County jointly acquired the property for preservation. Situated atop a water table along the picturesque Biscayne Bay, the Deering Estate’s proximity to water is believed to attract spirits, according to paranormal investigators.
Is the Deering Estate Haunted?
The Deering Estate has gained a reputation for its paranormal activity, with numerous reports of ghostly encounters and mysterious phenomena. The estate has been the subject of extensive paranormal investigations, capturing compelling evidence of otherworldly presence. One notable investigation recorded over 60 disembodied voices in a single night, both male and female, engaged in various conversations. Phrases such as “right,” “I want some of you,” “send me, I’ll go,” and “come home” have been captured on audio recordings. In one eerie incident, a woman’s voice was heard desperately searching for someone to save from drowning near the boat basin.
Photographic evidence has also contributed to the haunting lore of the Deering Estate. Investigators have captured an image of a headless woman in a long white Victorian-era gown, seemingly hovering over the bay with her arms crossed. Witnesses have also reported sightings of orbs of light and unexplained furniture movements.
The staff at the Deering Estate have attested to ongoing eerie occurrences. Faucets in the stone mansion’s bathroom have been known to turn on by themselves, and unexplained fluctuations in air temperature, particularly cold spots, have been frequently reported. The spirits believed to haunt the estate include Native Americans, early North American pioneers, and possibly Charles Deering himself.
To cater to believers and non-believers alike, paranormal investigators from organizations like the Paranormal Research & Investigative Studies regularly conduct ghost tours at the Deering Estate. These tours employ EMF readers, pendulums, and dowsing rods to demonstrate spiritual activity. In 2009, the League of Paranormal Investigators awarded the Deering Estate an unusually high ranking on the haunted scale, further solidifying its reputation as a paranormal hotspot.
While the Deering Estate is open to visitors for recreational and cultural activities, the ghost tours continue to draw individuals intrigued by the supernatural. Even skeptics have been known to leave the tours with an eerie sense of unease and inexplicable goosebumps, testament to the captivating atmosphere and haunted history of the Deering Estate.
Address: Deering Estate, 16701 SW 72nd Ave, Miami, FL 33157.
Sources:
1. The Deering Estate. “History.” https://deeringestate.org/history
2. Miami and The Beaches. “The Deering Estate.” https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/things-to-do/detail/the-deering-estate-at-cutler
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