In 1857 a man by the name of B.F. Caldwell donated roughly four acres of land for the construction of Orlando's first courthouse which would be a two story log cabin like structure. In 1863 it was completed. By 1868 the courthouse burned down and rumor has it that it was arson since during that time there was a conflict on heavy cattle taxes.

During that time the county Commission rented a house nearby as a temporary courthouse until 1969 when a new one could be built. General Sanford a nearby town near Orlando wanted the county seat moved there since at the time Sanford was much larger then Orlando. He claimed that Orlando had no more room for growth however Jacob Summerlin owner of the Summerlin Hotel in Orlando fronted a large amount of money for the construction of a new courthouse however the stipulation was that it had to be built in Orlando. By 1876 was completed and by 1892 once again it was replaces. As the city had grown larger this courthouse was just to small so in 1924 there was plans for a much bigger new building which would contain a county jail and many court rooms. The new building a Classic Greek Revival Courthouse was completed in 1927. Since the courthouse had a new county jail the old one near by became a parking lot. The new Greek building remained a courthouse all the way up until 2001 I believe. 

With 33 million dollars the courthouse was turned into a museum where those could learn all about Orlando and Orange County. A theatre was even built here where those interested could watch a video on the history of downtown Orlando dating all the way back to 15,000 years ago when the first settlers inhabited the area. People could learn all about Walt Disney World here or have lunch at Heritage Square which is an outdoor tree lined park that has festivals, special events, concerts and benches for those that visit the History Center. There is also icons of Orlando's past like bronze alligator statues and a very tall postcard depicting Central Florida's Past history. 

One could enter here and learn about the Paleo-Indians, early pioneers like the "Crackers", Early Explorers, The Space Program, or even the Citrus Trees which were introduced by the Europeans to the area.  The conversion from a courthouse to a museum has made this place have a very haunting feel as others can walk the halls learning a past most have often forgotten.

Lets talk a little bit about the ghost that are said to haunt this building. The first story is about a girl named Emily an 8 year old who died around the 1930s here. Other then that not much else is known. Then in another room is haunted by an prison of a man who killed himself. The room at one time was a Grand Jury Room. There use to be a mirror in that room but it was removed because many would report her ghost appearing in that mirror. Perhaps there is some sort of connection between the prisoner and little girl. Both both of there spirits are seen even till this day. It is said Emily is a real playful ghost and we hope to work with her when the time is right and conditions. 

Another strange thing about this building is that at one time the murder trial of Ted Bundy took place for the murders of the many women he had killed. When he stood trial he carved his name into the table so in that retrospect this was an evil man and he did some hideous things. 

Despite all these strange things this building is beautiful and you can clearly see why I wanted to investigate it. We did not capture alot our first investigation since a street party was happening surrounding this building. I could feel the ghost but I felt them also hiding and scared because there were just so many people and so many energies at the given time. But the park and building feel real serene and we will build our case as we venture back here in search of those things that go bump in the night at a place with great historical significance.

© By

Rick-AngelOfThyNight

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