We celebrate Robert the Doll's birthday on October 25th, tying it to his original owner Gene Otto's birthday in 1904. But was Robert really created that year? In May 2025, Robert's "Dolltender" David L. Sloan traveled to the Steiff Factory in Germany to find the definitive proof. Read on to discover the story behind the journey that confirmed Robert's 1904 origin and learn the surprising reason why the world's most haunted doll might actually be a Leo, not a Scorpio.

Florida is filled with haunted places, from ghostly lighthouses in St. Augustine to the eerie Cuban Club in Ybor City, but none compare to the supernatural energy of Key West’s Fort East Martello Museum. Regularly named one of America’s Most Haunted Destinations by USA Today and crowned Florida’s Creepiest Place by Thrillist, the fort is home to over 42 documented spirits, artifacts linked to death, and the world’s most haunted doll: Robert. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, one thing is certain, at Fort East Martello, you’ll come face to face with something unforgettable.

Social media users often type ‘I’m sorry Robert’ under photos of Robert the Doll, a haunted figure in Key West, to avoid his curse.

The Ultimate Robert the Doll Experience in Key West, Florida.

One of the most active locations for paranormal investigations in Key West is the historic Key West Firehouse & Museum.