Fort East Martello Museum
This 1862 Civil War-era brick fort houses Robert the Doll, arguably America's most famous haunted object. The roughly 40-inch doll, made by the Steiff Company around 1904, was given to young Robert Eugene Otto, who reportedly blamed mishaps on it and claimed it moved and giggled on its own. Later owner Myrtle Reuter said Robert moved around her home and caused mischief, prompting her to donate him to the museum in 1994. Robert now sits behind glass in his sailor suit. Legend holds that visitors must ask his permission before photographing him or risk misfortune; the museum displays many apology letters from guests blaming Robert for bad luck after disrespecting him. Staff report cameras and electronics malfunctioning in his presence, and some claim his facial expression changes. The fort itself never saw battle, but visitors report cold spots and unexplained voices within its thick walls.
📍 3501 S Roosevelt Blvd, Key West, FL 33040, Key West, FL · Get directions