The Haunted Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp

Paranormal Activity at the Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp

Nestled in a serene piney woodland north of present-day Deltona in Florida, the Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp is a place like no other. It has earned the reputation of being “the Psychic Capital of the World” due to its high concentration of spiritual practitioners. The camp, founded by George P. Colby in the late 19th century, has become a haven for individuals seeking spiritual guidance and paranormal experiences. With its unique history and reputation, the Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp has become an intriguing destination for those interested in exploring the world of spirituality and the supernatural.

The History of the Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp

George P. Colby, a spiritual medium originally from New York, played a pivotal role in the founding of the Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp. Following his encounters with spirits and the guidance of a Native American spirit named Seneca, Colby embarked on a journey across the United States, conducting séances and providing spiritual readings for clients. Eventually, he was led to Florida by the spirits, who directed him to establish a spiritual center in the southern part of the country.

In 1894, George Colby, along with E.W Bond and Marion Skidmore, formed a charter for the spiritual center in Volusia County. The camp was named after the Cassadaga Lakes in New York, with the word “Cassadaga” derived from the Seneca language, meaning “rocks beneath the water.” The camp quickly gained popularity among spiritualists, mediums, psychics, and those seeking spiritual enlightenment. It became a hub for individuals exploring metaphysical practices and embracing alternative belief systems.

The Cassadaga Camp attracted a diverse community of residents who lived according to their unique spiritual beliefs. The camp’s founding principles were centered around spiritualism, which emphasizes communication with spirits and the belief in an afterlife. Over the years, the camp has remained a haven for those on society’s fringe, practicing spiritual healing, clairvoyance, and various forms of divination.

Is the Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp Haunted?

The Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp is renowned for its paranormal activity and frequent encounters with spirits. The camp, often described as a vortex between this world and the next, has become a hotbed for supernatural phenomena. One notable haunted location within the camp is the Cassadaga Hotel. While no longer officially part of the camp, it continues to attract paranormal enthusiasts due to its reported ghostly occurrences. One well-known spirit believed to inhabit the hotel is Arthur, who is said to move furniture around and can be seen sitting near windows.

The camp’s cemetery, an eerie and atmospheric location, is also known for its haunting experiences. Apparitions have been sighted wandering about the cemetery grounds, and the infamous “Devil’s Chair” is said to be a seat where spirits manifest. Visitors and paranormal investigators have reported unsettling encounters and strange sensations while exploring the cemetery.

The Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp’s rich history and association with the supernatural led to its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. The camp stands as a testament to the preservation of past eras and the continuation of spiritual practices. Today, residents still live within the camp, maintaining their spiritually-inclined lifestyles and providing services to those seeking guidance and enlightenment.