Marrero’s Guest Mansion
photo taken from webshots.com
In Key West, Florida Marrero’s Guest Mansion was built in 1889. Francisco Marrero was the owner, and built this mansion hoping to entice his love Enriquetta to settle in Key West. This apparently worked, as they were said to be happy together, and created a family with eight children. At that time in Key West, it was the center for the cigar industry, and Francisco made his money as a prosperous cigar producer. He was a native of Cuba and often made trips back there. On what would be his last trip back, he died under suspicious circumstances. As one could imagine, Enriquetta was distraught, losing her love and left with eight children on her own.
However, this was not the only blow to Enriquetta. A few weeks after hearing of her husband’s death, she then learned that Francisco had a wife back in Cuba that he never divorced. She came to Key West, and claimed her rights to the estate in court, where she went on to win. When Enriquetta went to leave her house for the last time, it is said she promised that her spirit would always remain in this place that she loved so much. Enriquetta has seemed to have kept this promise, for countless visitors over the years have seen her ghost while at the site. Owner John Diebold has noticed that guests staying in rooms 17 and 23 have reported sounds of babies crying at night.
Marrero’s is an adult establishment with no children allowed on the grounds. Therefore, these sounds have to be from another realm. Also, these rooms were the old nurseries for the Marrero’s. Doors are often locked from the inside when guests speak skeptical of Enriquetta. Guests have reported seeing Enriquetta in her old bedroom;room 18. She has been seen passing through the doors into the children’s old room. Marrero’s is a beautiful establishment that is kept in pristine condition.
It is a welcoming spot for vacationers, and people believe because of this Enriquetta can rest assure, knowing that her house is in good care.
(Source: Belanger, Jeff. Encyclopedia of Haunted Places. 2005.)
