This building dates from 1899. It was built as a summer home, like most of the Bed & Breakfasts in Cape May. Like many of the former summer homes, the Inn at 22 Jackson Street also has a resident ghost. They call her Esmerelda. Reports of inexplicable phenomena that were attributed to this ghost go back to the mid-twentieth century. Esmerelda has always been classified as a friendly, fun-loving spirit who seems to have a great fondness for children.
Esmerelda "lives" in the turret. Her name came from a mysterious vsitor who called on the previous owners shortly after they acquired the inn. As they were working on the house, a knock sounded at the front door. A tall, well-dressed elderly man was standing at the door. He held out his hand in greeting and the owner shook it. He then proceeded to inform her that his family had owned the building at one time. As he continued to speak about the house and his familiarity wuth it, the owner felt an icy chill run through her. The next words he spoke were, "Have you met Esmerelda?" She asked if she was a relative of his. He shook his head and said, "No, Esmerelda used to live in the turret. Died there, too. She's harmless, though." He then went on to describe esmerelda as a kind and caring woman that she should have no reason to fear.
During this exchange, the stranger never offered his name and she never asked it. She continued on with the refurbishing and began to rent out the rooms - yes, even Esmerelda's. Everything was quiet until a mother and daughter rented out the first floor suite. They reported that the mother had seen a female ghost in their room. The daughter admitted that although she had not seen the g host, she had sensed her strong presence. The woman described the ghost as a quick movement in the corner of her eye.
After that revelation, she decided to speak with the woman who was occupying Esmerelda's room. The woman freely admitted that she had sensed the presence of a warm, comfortable spirit as she settled in.
Since that time, others have reported sensing and seeing a spirit in the turret room. Unfortunately, no further evidence is available about the identity of Esmerelda.