The Haunted Mirror: Myrtles Plantation’s Most Famous Ghost and Its Chilling Legends
The Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville, Louisiana, has gained national attention as one of the most haunted houses in America. At the center of many ghost stories tied to this historic site is the infamous haunted mirror, said to reveal the lingering presence of spirits within the plantation’s walls. Visitors have reported seeing apparitions and mysterious handprints on the glass, fueling curiosity and debate about whether the legends have any basis in fact.
The most frequently mentioned ghost in connection with the mirror is Chloe, reportedly an enslaved woman linked to tragic events in the home's history. While historical records about Chloe are unclear, stories about her and other spirits continue to draw visitors interested in the supernatural. The haunted mirror at the Myrtles remains a focus of both local folklore and ongoing paranormal investigation.
Overview of Myrtles Plantation
Myrtles Plantation is a well-known historic estate recognized for its preserved antebellum architecture and reputation for paranormal activity. Its location, rich past, and numerous legends have made it a prominent destination for visitors interested in both history and the unexplained.
Location and Setting
Myrtles Plantation is situated near St. Francisville, Louisiana, approximately 30 miles north of Baton Rouge and close to the Mississippi River.
The estate is surrounded by towering crepe myrtle trees and lush Southern gardens, giving it a classic Old South appearance.
The mansion stands out for its large veranda, ornate ironwork, and French Creole architectural style common in the antebellum South.
The property spans over several acres and includes outbuildings, a pond, and a historic cemetery.
Its remote placement in a quiet, rural area adds to the sense of seclusion and atmospheric charm.
Visitors encounter brick pathways, moss-draped oak trees, and period furnishings throughout the home.
Historical Significance
The plantation was built in 1796 by General David Bradford, who was also known as “Whiskey Dave” because of his role in the Whiskey Rebellion.
Initially a working plantation, it produced cotton and relied heavily on enslaved labor during the era of slavery in the South.
Ownership of the property changed hands several times, involving notable families and figures of the Old South.
Myrtles Plantation exemplifies the architecture and daily life of the antebellum South.
It serves as a poignant reminder of Louisiana’s cultural and economic history, especially the role of cotton plantations.
Many of the original features, such as the grand staircase and hand-blown windowpanes, remain preserved.
Haunted Reputation
Myrtles Plantation is often called the “most haunted house in America.”
Its haunted history is shaped by numerous reports of unexplained phenomena, including apparitions, unexplained noises, and cold spots.
The tale of “Chloe,” a former enslaved woman said to appear in a green turban, is among the most frequently recounted legends.
In addition to individual sightings, TV programs like "Unsolved Mysteries" and "Ghost Hunters" have featured the site, cementing its place among America’s most famous haunted homes.
The mirror in the plantation’s foyer is a focal point for ghost stories and is linked to claims of trapped spirits.
Interest in haunted places, especially in the antebellum South, continues to draw thousands of curious visitors to Myrtles Plantation every year.
The Haunted Mirror: The Centerpiece of Mystery
The Myrtles Plantation’s mirror is regarded as one of its most recognized haunted features. Visitors, guests, and investigators frequently report strange occurrences and persistent legends linked to its reflective surface.
Origins of the Mirror Legend
The origin of the Myrtles Plantation’s haunted mirror legend is tied closely to tragic tales involving members of the Woodruff family. According to the most common story, the mirror allegedly trapped the spirits of Sara Woodruff and her children after their deaths in the 19th century.
Folklore claims traditional mourning customs were broken when the mirror was not covered after the family's passing. Because of this, legend maintains their souls became bound to the glass. The story is amplified by the plantation’s reputation as a site of numerous hauntings and chilling ghost stories reported over generations.
Over time, this tale has evolved and spread, becoming a central part of the plantation’s ghost lore. The mirror is now firmly entrenched in Myrtles Plantation’s identity as a haunted bed and breakfast.
Paranormal Activity Around the Mirror
Guests and staff report a range of unexplained phenomena around the mirror. Common accounts include handprints appearing on the glass without explanation and fleeting images or apparitions believed to be the spirits of the Woodruff family.
Photographs taken near the mirror sometimes reveal unusual anomalies such as faces or mysterious shadows. This has led to speculation about “matrixing,” a psychological effect where random patterns are perceived as recognizable images. However, both believers in the paranormal and skeptics agree the mirror generates persistent intrigue.
The mirror’s ongoing association with spirits and hauntings maintains its status as a centerpiece for ghost stories at the plantation. Repeated personal experiences ensure its reputation endures among both visitors and paranormal investigators.
Preservation and Public Display
The haunted mirror is displayed prominently within the main house and is protected as part of the Myrtles Plantation’s historical furnishings. Staff use special care in cleaning and maintaining the glass, aware of its importance to guests and its reputation in the legends associated with the property.
Visitors are encouraged to view, photograph, and sometimes touch the mirror during guided tours. The bed and breakfast features the mirror as a major attraction, capitalizing on its haunted legacy and stories of spirits trapped inside.
Ongoing preservation efforts focus on both the mirror’s physical condition and the enhancement of its story for the many tourists that come specifically for its ghostly renown. The mirror continues to play a vital role in shaping the experience and expectations of those who stay at or tour Myrtles Plantation.
The Story of Chloe and the Mirror
The tale of Chloe is a central legend at Myrtles Plantation, where her story intertwines with themes of betrayal, tragedy, and the supernatural. Chloe, her actions, and their consequences have become closely linked with one of the mansion’s most discussed haunted artifacts—a large framed mirror.
Chloe’s Origin and Life at the Plantation
Chloe was reportedly a house slave owned by Clark and Sara Woodruff at Myrtles Plantation. She is often described as wearing a green turban, which supposedly concealed her severed ear, an injury inflicted as punishment for eavesdropping.
Her role in the house involved domestic tasks and occasional conflicts with the Woodruff family. Though some records and historians question her existence, the legend continues to identify Chloe as a real presence in the household, whether factual or as part of oral lore.
The Poisoned Cake Incident
The most infamous aspect of the legend involves a poisoned cake. According to the story, Chloe used oleander leaves, known for their toxicity, to bake a cake intended for the family. The motive varies in different versions, but some suggest she hoped to gain favor or avoid harsh punishment by making the family sick and then nursing them back to health.
Instead, the poisoning proved fatal. Sara Woodruff and her two daughters reportedly died after eating the cake made from oleander flowers. In retaliation, other slaves at the plantation hanged Chloe, fearing collective blame for the deaths.
Connection to the Mirror’s Haunting
The large mirror in Myrtles Plantation is believed by many to house the spirits of those killed in the poisoning. According to the legend, the mirror was not covered after the deaths, a Southern custom meant to prevent spirits from being trapped.
Guests and staff have claimed to see ghostly apparitions, particularly of women and children, or the outline of Chloe’s green-turbaned figure within its reflection. Reports of child-size handprints that will not wipe away, and fleeting images in the glass, have fueled ongoing ghost stories surrounding both Chloe and the mirror.
Famous Ghosts and Apparitions at Myrtles Plantation
Myrtles Plantation has built a reputation for its numerous alleged hauntings, each tied closely to the site’s complex past. Reports focus on specific individuals whose lives ended in tragedy, and many visitors claim to witness unexplained phenomena linked to these former residents.
Sara Woodruff and the Woodruff Children
Sara Woodruff, wife of Clark Woodruff, is one of the most frequently named spirits at Myrtles Plantation. She reportedly died in 1823, along with two of her children, Mary Octavia and James, under tragic circumstances.
According to local stories, their deaths were caused by illness, but later legends claim poison may have been involved. Visitors say they sometimes see apparitions of a woman believed to be Sara. Reports also mention the laughter and voices of young children, thought to be her children who died young.
A notable legend involves a slave named Chloe, linked in myths to the Woodruff family’s deaths, though historical records do not confirm her existence. The myth has persisted and is often cited in ghost tours, despite questions about its authenticity.
William Drew Winter’s Tragic Story
William Drew Winter is perhaps the plantation's most famous murdered resident. He was shot on the front porch in 1871 and died just inside the house.
Accounts say Winter was able to climb the stairs before collapsing on the 17th step, where he died. Visitors and staff have claimed to hear footsteps or a voice calling from the stairs, especially near the 17th step. Some believe his ghost re-enacts his final moments.
Winter’s wife, Sarah Mathilda, and their daughter Cornelia are sometimes mentioned in connection with his haunting. Their sadness is said to linger in certain rooms, amplifying the plantation’s spectral history.
Other Notable Spirits
Several other figures have become part of Myrtles’ ghost stories. Members of the Stirling family, who owned the plantation after the Woodruffs, are occasionally mentioned in sightings. Some guests report seeing apparitions in period dress attributed to the family or their visitors.
Stories also circulate about Elizabeth Porter, a former mistress of the house, and E.S. Webber, who documented the plantation’s legends in the late 19th century. Unconfirmed accounts reference unexplained cold spots or moving objects in rooms once associated with these figures.
Unidentified spirits, such as children playing on the grounds or figures glimpsed through windows, remain a frequent topic of guest reports. Some also cite Bradford, a tutor or overseer, whose name surfaces in records and ghost tales, though details about his presence are less clear.
Historic Events Influencing the Plantation’s Hauntings
Several events over the centuries have shaped the haunted reputation of Myrtles Plantation and contributed to reports of paranormal activity. Historical circumstances, ranging from war to disease and early ownership, have all left their mark.
Civil War Era and Its Aftermath
During the Civil War, the Myrtles Plantation was located in Louisiana, a region deeply affected by conflict and occupation. The house was reportedly ransacked by Union soldiers, who were said to have searched for valuables hidden by the owners.
Notable Events:
Occupation by Union forces
Disruption of daily life for residents and enslaved people
Reports of violence and resource shortages
After the war, the economic and social upheaval caused significant hardship. The turmoil is believed by some to have intensified the plantation’s haunted history, as tales of unrest, loss, and tragedy became incorporated into ghost stories told about the property.
Outbreaks and Unexplained Deaths
Yellow fever outbreaks swept through Louisiana in the 19th century, and the Myrtles was not spared. Multiple deaths on the plantation were attributed to the disease, with entire families and enslaved workers affected.
Unexplained deaths also stained the plantation’s legacy. Legends refer to the deaths of children and adults, sometimes in quick succession, adding to its ominous reputation.
Examples:
Yellow fever’s deadly impact on the Woodruff family
Frequent child and adult fatalities
Local rumors of murder or mysterious circumstances
Such repeated tragedy has led to persistent stories that the souls of those lost linger in and around the estate, particularly in places like the famed haunted mirror.
The Whiskey Rebellion and David Bradford
David Bradford, also known as "General Bradford," built the plantation in 1794 after fleeing Pennsylvania due to his involvement in the Whiskey Rebellion. The rebellion was an early test for the U.S. government’s authority and centered on resistance to a federal excise tax on whiskey.
Background Details:
Bradford sought refuge in Louisiana after escaping charges
His status as a fugitive added an air of secrecy and intrigue to the plantation's origins
Bradford's dramatic flight and settlement at the plantation contributed to an atmosphere of mystery from the very beginning, setting the stage for the ghost stories that would follow generations later. His legacy endures in the stories told about the site today.
Modern Exploration and Ghost Hunting
Myrtles Plantation continues to attract attention for both its documented history and its reputation for unexplained events. The famous mirror, believed by some to hold spirits, has become a distinctive focus for investigators, tourists, and journalists.
Ghost Hunters and Paranormal Investigations
Paranormal investigators frequently visit Myrtles Plantation to study phenomena linked to the haunted mirror and surrounding rooms. Teams such as those from popular television series and independent researchers bring equipment like EMF meters, digital voice recorders, and thermal cameras to document activity.
Several investigators have reported seeing shadowy figures reflected in the mirror or hearing unexplained noises near it. Some have claimed electronic devices malfunction in the hallway outside the dining room, where the mirror is located.
Troy Taylor, a noted paranormal researcher, has written about the plantation’s reported activity. While investigators often debate the authenticity of collected evidence, Myrtles remains a recurring subject for those interested in supernatural research.
Haunted Tours and Bed and Breakfast Stays
The plantation operates as both a historical site and a bed and breakfast, offering nightly haunted tours to visitors. Guests are permitted to explore common areas—including the hallway with the mirror—under guided supervision.
Tour guides frequently share stories of sightings associated with Chloe and unexplained handprints appearing on the glass. Overnight guests sometimes request rooms thought to be most “active,” hoping to encounter evidence of the supernatural firsthand.
The structure’s period furnishings and atmospheric lighting create a setting that amplifies the sense of mystery. Some visitors document their experiences, posting photos and personal accounts online for others to examine.
Media Coverage and Notable Researchers
Media interest in Myrtles Plantation has grown, with programs like Ghost Adventures dedicating special episodes to the property. These segments often feature dramatic footage from night investigations and interviews with staff and guests.
Publications by researchers such as Troy Taylor have contributed to the plantation’s notoriety, providing historical context and critical analysis of reported events. Feature articles, travel blogs, and televised documentaries regularly highlight the haunted mirror as a focal point within the broader discussion of paranormal activity.
The combination of firsthand accounts, investigative reports, and ongoing coverage keeps the legend of the Myrtles Plantation mirror alive. The site attracts both skeptics and believers interested in the intersection of history and ghost lore.
Controversies, Myths, and Historical Accuracy
Conflicting stories and questionable evidence have led to ongoing disputes about what truly happened at Myrtles Plantation. Issues about the reliability of historical sources, psychological explanations for ghost sightings, and persistent but unverified legends complicate the haunted reputation of the site.
Debates Over Historical Records
Many claims about Myrtles Plantation’s haunted past are loosely based on incomplete or inconsistent historical documents. For example, the often-cited figure of “at least ten murders” on site can’t be verified against local records or death certificates available from the 19th century.
David Bradford, who built the house in 1794, and later residents are well documented, but stories about specific violent events frequently lack solid evidence. The famous Chloe legend, involving an enslaved woman and the poisoning of Judge Clark Woodruff's family, is especially problematic. No contemporary accounts or legal documents confirm that Chloe existed or the deaths described in the legend.
Researchers reviewing census data, wills, and newspaper archives note multiple discrepancies between oral tales and authentic historical records. These gaps raise doubts about how many of the dramatic events associated with the plantation really occurred.
Disputed Ghost Stories and Matrixing
Reports of supernatural encounters at Myrtles often involve sightings in mirrors, including faces or figures thought to be ghosts. Photographs, such as the famous 1992 image said to show Chloe’s spirit, are widely shared but are controversial.
Many skeptics point to the psychological phenomenon of matrixing, where the human brain perceives familiar shapes—like faces—in random patterns, reflections, or shadows. This effect can lead people to believe they see ghosts when viewing old mirrors or low-resolution photographs.
Despite guest accounts and staff testimonies, no scientifically verified evidence links mirrors at Myrtles Plantation with paranormal activity. Apparitions seen in glass are usually explained through a combination of lighting effects, prior suggestion, and matrixing rather than true hauntings.
Indian Burial Ground Legend
Another persistent legend claims that Myrtles Plantation was built atop an Indian burial ground, supposedly explaining the frequency of ghostly events. This story recurs in the oral tradition and tourist accounts, but there is little archaeological or historical support for it.
Surveys by local historians and archaeologists have found no confirmed Native American burial sites directly underneath or near the main house. The region does contain ancient indigenous sites, but connections to Myrtles Plantation itself are unproven.
The burial ground legend is a common trope in American ghost lore, and its presence at Myrtles often inflates claims of supernatural occurrences. Without physical evidence, this tale remains unverifiable and is viewed by many researchers as myth rather than fact.
