Robert the Doll's story begins with its creation in the late 19th century, reportedly made by a Bahamian servant skilled in voodoo. The doll was given to Robert Eugene Otto, known as Gene, as a gift when he was a child living in Key West, Florida, around 1904.

Gene became deeply attached to the doll and named it Robert after himself. He was often seen talking to it as if it were alive, and many visitors claimed to hear responses in a different voice. Strange occurrences began happening around the house, with objects moving on their own and eerie giggling heard in empty rooms.

Gene's parents attributed these events to their son's vivid imagination until they started witnessing them themselves. They became convinced that there was something sinister about the doll.

After Gene's parents died, he inherited the family home and lived there with Robert until his own death in 1974. Local legend says that Robert the Doll was often seen moving from window to window, looking out at the street, and people passing by would claim to see the doll's expression change.

After Gene's death, the house was sold, and the new owners reported strange happenings until they donated the doll to the Fort East Martello Museum in Key West. Even in the museum, Robert is said to move on his own and cause electronic devices to malfunction.

Today, Robert the Doll is displayed in a glass case at the East Martello Museum in Key West, Florida, USA, but visitors still report feeling uneasy around it. It's said that if you want to take a photo of Robert, you must ask permission first, or risk experiencing misfortune or bad luck. Many letters arrive at the museum from people apologizing for not asking permission before taking a picture and explaining the misfortunes that followed.

There has been speculation that the inspiration for the Chucky film franchise was in part taken from the story of Robert The Doll. This, however, remains unconfirmed.