National

‘Certifiably haunted’ Florida jail hits the market for $139,990. Take a look inside

The Gilchrist County (Florida) jail was open to ghost hunters.
The Gilchrist County (Florida) jail was open to ghost hunters. Screen grab from Realtor.com

A ghastly marvel has found itself on the market in Trenton, Florida. The Gilchrist County jail, a popular attraction for ghost hunters, has been listed for $139,990.

Jail house
Jail house Screen grab from Realtor.com

“Great opportunity to own the only decommissioned, certifiably haunted jail in the state of Florida!” the listing exclaims. “As seen on TV and throughout the web.”

Interior of jail house
Interior of jail house Screen grab from Realtor.com

The jail was built in 1928 and shut down in 1968, with the living addition added in 1966. According to the jail’s website, there were two Gilchrist County sheriffs who were killed in the line of duty — one in 1934 by robbers, and another who was shot while on a domestic disturbance call. The listing also says that prisoners were alone for 38 years until the second property went up to accommodate an on-duty prison officer.

Interior
Interior Screen grab from Realtor.com

The property “is a very unique attraction for those thrill seekers out there whom over the years have come from all over the world to document the heavy paranormal activity that frequently occurs inside and outside of the jail,” the listing says. “See apparitions walking around the grounds in broad day.”

Interior
Interior Screen grab from Realtor.com

The Facebook page Zillow Gone Wild caught wind of the paranormal property, and users didn’t hesitate to let the comments fly.

Interior
Interior Screen grab from Realtor.com

“30 year mortgage but can be 15 with good behavior,” joked one user.

Interior
Interior Screen grab from Realtor.com

“I’m terrified that this is (a) pending sale... what kind of person looks at this and says ‘I’m home’?” wrote another user.

Interior
Interior Screen grab from Realtor.com

“I would buy this place and turn it into a winery,” said one. “The featured varietal would be Toilet Wine.”

Interior
Interior Screen grab from Realtor.com

One person pointed out the obvious.

Interior
Interior Screen grab from Realtor.com

“Haunted and Florida – two things that should absolutely not mix.”

Interior
Interior Screen grab from Realtor.com

And, of course ...

“Finally! Something in my price range.”

This story was originally published April 21, 2021 at 9:34 AM with the headline "‘Certifiably haunted’ Florida jail hits the market for $139,990. Take a look inside."

TJ Macias
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
TJ Macías is a Real-Time national sports reporter for McClatchy based out of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Formerly, TJ covered the Dallas Mavericks and Texas Rangers beat for numerous media outlets including 24/7 Sports and Mavs Maven (Sports Illustrated). Twitter: @TayloredSiren
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