The Haunting of Stranahan House: Fort Lauderdale’s Most Infamous Ghost Story

A House Built on History… and Hauntings

Sitting quietly along the New River in Fort Lauderdale, the Stranahan House is a picturesque piece of Florida’s history. Built in 1901 by Frank Stranahan, the structure initially served as a trading post before evolving into a residence. Over the decades, it became a symbol of Fort Lauderdale’s early development. But behind its charming exterior lies a darker story—one that has earned it the reputation of being the most haunted location in the city.

Tragic Death and Lingering Spirits

Frank Stranahan was a key figure in Fort Lauderdale’s growth, but financial devastation during the Great Depression led him to a tragic fate. In 1929, overcome with financial ruin and depression, Frank drowned himself in the New River, just outside his beloved home. Many believe his troubled spirit never left.

Visitors and staff have reported seeing a shadowy figure standing near the river, often described as a man dressed in early 20th-century clothing. Some say they’ve heard disembodied footsteps pacing back and forth, as if someone were still deep in thought about unsolved business.

Paranormal Encounters at Stranahan House

Over the years, guests, paranormal investigators, and even employees have experienced eerie phenomena inside the house. Some of the most common reports include:

Cold Spots & Sudden Temperature Drops – Visitors often feel an unexplained chill in certain rooms, even on Florida’s hottest days.
Apparitions of a Woman in White – Believed to be Ivy Stranahan, Frank’s wife, who continued living in the home until 1971. Her ghostly figure has been seen wandering the upper floors.
Unseen Hands & Moving Objects – Some have reported feeling a gentle touch on their shoulders, only to turn around and find no one there. Others claim objects move on their own, especially small trinkets and furniture.
Phantom Voices & Whispers – Late at night, muffled voices can be heard echoing through the empty hallways, sometimes accompanied by faint laughter or hushed conversations.

Theories Behind the Hauntings

Some paranormal researchers believe the emotional imprint left by Frank’s tragic end has created a residual haunting—a spirit replaying its final days over and over. Others speculate that multiple spirits inhabit the house, including those who once visited the trading post or lived in the home after the Stranahans.

Interestingly, ghost hunters using EMF detectors and thermal imaging have captured strange energy readings in areas where hauntings are most frequently reported. Audio recordings have also picked up EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena), with ghostly voices responding to investigators’ questions.

A Must-Visit for Paranormal Enthusiasts

Today, the Stranahan House is a museum open to the public, offering historic tours by day and ghost tours by night. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, stepping inside this century-old structure is an experience that lingers—both in memory and perhaps in spirit.

For those seeking an encounter with the supernatural, Fort Lauderdale’s most infamous haunted house is waiting… but be warned—you may not leave alone.