Cassadaga, an Indian word meaning water beneath the rocks, is a historic small town in Florida with a unique community. Dubbed the Psychic Capital of the World, here you’ll find the residents of Cassadaga are mediums, psychics, and healers that offer services from their modest two-story cottages. While you won’t find a grocery store, pharmacy, gas station, or bank, the quiet town of Cassadaga currently stands as the oldest active religious community in the Southeastern United States.
Set in the backwoods between Daytona and Orlando, people have been flocking to Cassadaga for over 100 years. What began in 1894 by George P. Colby, a traveling medium called to Florida during a seance, has developed into a thriving spiritual community with a world-renowned reputation. Here you’ll find 57 acres with 55 residences of like-minded people who want to live, work, and worship in harmony with their beliefs.
While some believe that the community practices black magic or witchcraft, this is untrue, as the community at Cassadaga practices Spiritualism. According to the community, Spiritualism is “the science, philosophy, and religion of continuous life.” While the community respects the right to religious freedom, the camp centers around Infinite Intelligence and a belief system that includes God, Jesus, and the Bible. With a reservation, visitors can receive readings or Spiritual counseling by Certified Mediums who strive to provide information positively and constructively.
The Southern Cassadaga Spiritualist camp that Colby created currently has a hotel, central auditorium, library, bookstore, healing center, and a Colby Memorial Temple surrounded by sunflowers. Some say that the Spanish Mission-style hotel in Cassadaga is haunted but with “friendly spirits”. Here you’ll find a 1920’s vintage interior, a speakeasy-style lobby, and an Italian restaurant with a piano player. In 1991, the Southern Cassadaga Spiritualist camp was officially declared a US Historic District. While the word “camp” appears in its name, no camping facilities are available, as “Camp meeting” is an antiquated term for annual gatherings of religious groups.
While this off-the-beaten-path community has attracted those seeking their true self and a new way of life, the camp welcomes curious and skeptical non-believers. Book a tour of this unique camp at the bookstore, where visitors can explore the historic buildings, learn about Cassadaga’s mysterious beginnings, or purchase a quirky t-shirt that reads “Mayberry meets the Twilight Zone”.
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Website: www.cassadaga.org
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Tour Hours: Historical Tours on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 2:00 pm EST
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Tour Rates: The cost is $15 per Adult, $7.50 per Child 7-12, and Children 6 or under are Free
