Cassadaga, Florida
Designated an Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places, the Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp Meeting Association is the oldest active religious community in the Southeastern United States.
Area Map
Cassadega Sign
Also Known As The Psychic Capital of the World
I’ve been to Cassadaga on two occasions, one of which included an overnight stay. Cassadaga is a Seneca Indian word that means “water beneath the rocks”. Cassadaga is located in Volusia Couty, Florida and is north of Deltona. The area is know for it’s psychics and mediums and people from all around the world visit this community. I also had two readings during my visits. Overall, I was impressed with both and quite a bit of what I was told came to fruition. Cassadaga is a very small community and there is nothing much else around. If you are looking for high end restaurants, shopping and entertainment, FORGET IT. The hotel is a landmark and the rooms are small and quaint. There is definitely a different feel to the surroundings, especially at night. I enjoyed hanging out on the hotel porch and sitting in the parlor area. They have a photo album full of paranormal evidence available to look through. The hotel is quiet and laid back so, if you are into relaxation, this might be a great road trip to take to do your own paranormal investigating. No one is obligated to have a reading and it’s first come first serve. Saturdays are especially busy. There is a genuine history here and the available books in the small gift shop are interesting. I found the people in this community very friendly and genuine. If you are planning a full day, I would suggest packing a cooler with favorite beverages and snacks.
History
Isolated Road
George P. Colby, referred to as the “seer of spiritualism” arrived in Florida in 1875. Originally from Pike, New York, he founded the Southern Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp Meeting Association. Colby was a trance medium who traveled throughout the country giving seances and readings and he was very well known. He claims that he was prompted to moved to Florida by the spirit of an Indian named Seneca. Colby signed a warranty deed to the Association for thirty-five acres and the visitors who arrived at the Spiritualist Camp in the early days were well educated and wealthy. The camp later obtained additional acreage and the camp is now an area of 57 acres. There is no actual camping in the area, only homes owned by community members who share their spiritualist beliefs.
Crystal
Today at Cassadaga
- Welcome Center
- Central Auditorium
- Community Library
- Colby Alderman Park
- Andrew Jackson Educational Building
- Camp Bookstore
- Colby Memorial Temple
- Hotel with restaurant
Fun Facts (Wikipedia)
- Bright Eyes has an album called Cassadaga, which features the town in the lyrics of the single “Four Winds“.
- Tom Petty‘s song “Casa Dega” alludes to psychics
- Gemma Hayes has a song entitled “Lucky One (Bird of Cassadaga)” on her debut album “Night On My Side“
- Stanley Elkin‘s novel George Mills takes place partially in Cassadaga.
- Served as the inspiration for the town called Grange in the Carl Hiaasen novel Lucky You.
- Investigated in the 2008 BBC documentary Around the World in 80 Faiths (Episode 5, Faith #43)
- The town is briefly mentioned in the 2009 movie Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant .
- Featured in August 2010 episode of The Glades on the A&E Network
- Parts of the town were featured in the film Dunsmore released in 2003 and directed by Peter Spirer.
- The film Cassadaga is set in and took its inspiration from the town’s history.
Thank you for stopping by. Comments are most welcomed!
