King House, Historic building and animal sanctuary in Mayport, Jacksonville, Florida
King House is a two-story wooden structure with oversized balconies at 4627 Ocean Street in Mayport, originally constructed as a boarding house for sailors and now serving as headquarters for the Mayport Cats Program, which aids feral cats in the coastal community.
The original King House burned down on April 25, 1881, and William Joseph King rebuilt it in 1907 on land that previously served as a Spanish graveyard, with the building remaining in the King family until 1977 when stories of paranormal activity attracted researchers from Duke University's Rhine Institute.
Local folklore includes the tale of William King's aunt who was allegedly murdered in a rocking chair by a jealous sailor, and reports of a ghostly bride who died in a car accident outside the house on her wedding day, making it one of Florida's most discussed haunted locations.
The building currently operates as the center for the Mayport Cats Program and is located near Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, and Jacksonville Beach, though visitors should obtain permission before visiting as it remains private property dedicated to animal welfare operations.
During the 1940s when King House functioned as a Catholic church with weekly masses, parishioners consistently reported hearing the sound of high-heeled footsteps moving through the attic despite no physical presence being found in that space during investigations.
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