The Mirror at Myrtles Plantation
Ghostly Faces and the Haunting History of a Southern Landmark
The Myrtles Plantation in Louisiana is known for its haunted mirror, where visitors and staff have reported seeing unexplained faces and ghostly handprints appear on the glass. This mirror, set in a property with over two centuries of history, is a focal point for tales of the supernatural and Southern folklore. Stories about the mirror often mention mysterious shapes and eerie reflections that defy simple explanations.
Legends connected to the Myrtles Plantation include reports of at least 15 ghosts and recurring stories involving former residents and tragic events. The unsettling phenomena linked to the mirror have drawn curiosity-seekers, paranormal investigators, and historians who are captivated by stories of persistent spirits and unexplainable images. The enduring mystery of the Myrtles mirror continues to fascinate those interested in both Southern history and ghost lore.
The History of Myrtles Plantation
Myrtles Plantation in Louisiana is considered one of the state’s most historically rich antebellum homes, with stories intertwined with notable families and significant events. From its beginnings in the late 18th century, the property has undergone various transformations—serving as a family residence, surviving wartime turmoil, and standing as a monument of Southern history.
Origins and Construction
Myrtles Plantation was constructed in 1794 by General David Bradford. Bradford, a key figure in the Whiskey Rebellion, sought refuge in Louisiana after fleeing Pennsylvania.
Choosing a location near St. Francisville, he built the home with distinctive Creole architectural style and original cypress wood.
The property’s location on a Spanish land grant ensured its early legal recognition. Bradford operated the plantation as an agricultural enterprise, dependent on the work of enslaved individuals.
Upon Bradford’s death, the house served as a central residence and landmark in the region, marking the start of its storied legacy.
The Woodruff Family and David Bradford
After David Bradford's death, ownership passed to his daughter Sara Bradford and her husband, Clark Woodruff. The Woodruff family continued to run the estate, expanding cotton planting and maintaining the plantation’s prominence.
Clark Woodruff, a respected figure, also held political roles, including serving as a judge.
The Woodruffs endured several personal tragedies, including the deaths of their children and Sara herself.
These losses have been linked to many legends about the house's haunted reputation. The family's impact on the property set the stage for future tales and speculations about its history.
Civil War Era and Beyond
During the Civil War, the plantation faced economic challenges and occupation. Although it was not a frontline battleground, Union troops passed through the region, disrupting local life.
The property shifted hands multiple times as families struggled to maintain it.
Following the war, Myrtles Plantation continued to operate, though with diminished resources and changes to labor systems. The house witnessed transitions in ownership as its economic viability waned.
Despite hardships, the structure remained mostly intact, preserving its antebellum features.
Renovations and Preservation Efforts
By the late 19th and 20th centuries, Myrtles Plantation required extensive restoration. Successive owners invested in preserving the home, stabilizing the structure, and restoring key architectural elements like the ornate ironwork and original flooring.
Modern renovations aimed to maintain historical accuracy while adapting the property for tours and public interest.
Today, the plantation operates as a historic site and bed-and-breakfast, drawing visitors interested in both its architecture and ghostly legends.
Preservation groups have played an active role in ensuring that the plantation remains a testament to Louisiana’s complex past. Efforts continue to document the building’s history and conserve artifacts related to its original families, ensuring its legacy endures for future generations.
The Legendary Mirror at Myrtles Plantation
The mirror at Myrtles Plantation is a focus of ghost stories and reported supernatural phenomena. Believed to reflect more than just the room, this ornate piece is tied to the plantation’s enduring reputation for ghostly sightings.
Origin of the Mirror and Its Mystique
The mirror, estimated to be nearly 200 years old, is located within the main house at Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville, Louisiana. It features elegant Southern craftsmanship typical of the antebellum period.
According to legend, the mirror was present during the 19th century when several members of the Woodruff family allegedly died in the home. Some versions suggest they were not properly mourned according to local tradition, which included covering mirrors to prevent trapping souls. This omission reportedly led to the mirror becoming "haunted."
Visitors have noted the mirror's aged glass and distinctive frame, which make it visually striking. While there is no conclusive historical documentation linking the mirror to specific deaths, its reputation as a supernatural focal point continues to grow.
Reported Ghostly Faces and Apparitions
The mirror is widely known for stories of unexplained phenomena. Numerous guests and staff claim to have seen ghostly handprints, face-like impressions, and shadowy figures appear within its glass.
Common reports include the faces of what are believed to be members of the Woodruff family and occasionally children. Apparitions reportedly appear briefly and may change location or fade as onlookers approach. Some even photograph the mirror in hopes of capturing these images, though results are often inconclusive.
A summary of common ghostly phenomena seen in the mirror:
Phenomenon Description Faces in glass Human-like faces, sometimes appearing sad Handprints Small, unexplained prints on the surface Moving shadows Dark silhouettes that seem to shift
While skepticism remains, reports persist from both visitors and employees over several decades, reinforcing the mirror's haunted reputation.
Security Measures and Preservation of the Mirror
Recognizing its historical value and frequent mention in ghost tours, staff at Myrtles Plantation have implemented a range of preservation and security measures for the mirror.
The mirror is kept in a common area but is protected with transparent barriers to prevent direct contact. Visitors are instructed not to touch or polish the glass, as oils and cleaning products can damage its antique surface. Discreet surveillance cameras monitor the area to prevent vandalism or theft.
Preservation Checklist:
Limit direct handling
Regular inspections for damage
Monitoring for environmental factors (humidity, light)
The plantation’s staff coordinate with conservation experts periodically to ensure that the mirror remains intact. These efforts help maintain both its physical condition and its pivotal role in the plantation’s ongoing ghostly legends.
Chloe and the Myrtles Plantation Ghost Stories
Stories about the Myrtles Plantation often note its legacy as a haunted house closely linked to Chloe, an enslaved woman, and chilling tales of murder and ghosts. These accounts mix historical events with lingering legends, creating one of the South’s most discussed supernatural narratives.
The Chloe Legend
Chloe is often described as a house slave owned by Judge Woodruff, the plantation’s early owner. According to legend, Chloe wore a green turban to conceal a severed ear, punishment for eavesdropping. Her image is sometimes reported in the plantation’s mirrors, fueling beliefs of her ghostly presence.
The story claims Chloe was involved in a tragic plot: She baked a poisoned cake intended for Woodruff’s family, using oleander leaves. The poison fatally affected Sara Woodruff and two of her children. Chloe was alleged to have confessed and, as punishment, was hanged by fellow slaves as a way to sever ties with the crime.
Key elements often cited in the legend:
Ghost sightings: a woman in a green turban
Mirrored images: handprints, spectral faces
Alleged Murder and Hauntings
Haunting claims center around the deaths within Woodruff’s family, though historical records cite yellow fever as the real culprit in many family fatalities. Despite this, the myth of poisoning persists and has become central to Myrtles Plantation’s haunted reputation.
Visitors and staff report seeing ghostly figures, footsteps on stairs, and unexplained handprints in mirrors. Some believe these signs are manifestations of Chloe’s spirit seeking recognition or redemption. The plantation’s reputation as a haunted house attracts both skeptics and those convinced by firsthand encounters.
Local lore blends with reported sightings to fuel Myrtles’ status as one of America’s most haunted locations. Lists of phenomena often include:
Vanishing objects
Mysterious smells
Apparitions in mirrors and halls
Haunted History and Paranormal Activity
The Myrtles Plantation has long been linked with reports of ghost sightings and unusual occurrences. Stories of unexplained activity, rooted in tragic events and Southern folklore, have helped shape its reputation as a classic haunted house.
Common Supernatural Encounters
Visitors and staff frequently describe encounters with the supernatural at Myrtles Plantation. Apparitions are often spotted throughout the house, with the most consistent being the reflection of mysterious faces in the infamous mirror. Reports include seeing impressions, handprints, or shadowy outlines on the glass, especially when the room is otherwise empty.
A notable legend involves the spirits of Sara Woodruff and her children, said to be trapped within the mirror. Many believe this haunting presence is responsible for cold spots and the sensation of being watched near the mirror. Sudden temperature drops and disembodied voices are also common complaints from those who have toured or stayed overnight at the property.
Below is a brief overview of some recurring phenomena:
Apparitions in hallways and the main parlor
Eerie reflections in the plantation’s mirror
Sensations of cold, even on warm days
Paranormal Investigations and Evidence
Several paranormal investigators have conducted studies at Myrtles Plantation. Teams often bring EMF meters, thermal scanners, and audio equipment to document evidence of ghostly activity. Many sessions have produced unexplained audio recordings and temperature changes consistent with reported encounters.
Ghost hunting groups occasionally record electronic voice phenomena (EVP), with faint voices answering direct questions. Video footage sometimes captures orbs or fleeting shadows near the mirror and on the main staircase. A few teams have documented spikes in electromagnetic fields correlating with claims of ghostly sightings.
Despite the regular collection of unusual data, conclusive scientific proof of the supernatural remains elusive. However, the number of independent reports lends credibility to the claims of ongoing paranormal activity at this historic Louisiana home.
Notable Ghostly Phenomena
The mirror is the focal point for much of the supernatural attention at Myrtles Plantation. Reported ghostly faces in its glass often match descriptions of the Woodruff family. Some claim to see child-sized handprints appear overnight, only to disappear by morning. Guests sometimes capture these anomalies with photographs, though the images are typically ambiguous.
Apart from the mirror, witnesses mention piano music playing by itself, footsteps echoing on empty floors, and the scent of old-fashioned perfume lingering where no one is present. Specific rooms, such as the Judge Clarke Woodruff Suite, have higher instances of ghost sightings and chilling sensations.
Supernatural legends like these continue to add layers of intrigue to everyday life at the plantation, attracting visitors fascinated by haunted houses and unexplained events.
Myrtles Plantation as a Bed and Breakfast
Myrtles Plantation operates as a well-known bed and breakfast, blending historic Southern charm with its reputation as a haunted site. Visitors are drawn by both its amenities and the allure of its legendary ghost stories.
Visiting the Plantation
Located in St. Francisville, Louisiana, the Myrtles Plantation is open year-round for guests seeking overnight stays or daytime visits. The house, built in 1794 by David Bradford, features original architectural details and furnishings that reflect its historic roots.
Daytime tours take guests through the main house and its famous haunts, including the parlor and, notably, the mirror said to reveal ghostly faces. Evening ghost tours are a popular attraction for those interested in haunted places.
The property’s grounds offer walking paths lined with oak trees, gardens, and smaller historical structures. Many guests explore the plantation at their own pace, reading plaques and historical notes provided throughout the site.
Guest Experiences and Amenities
Accommodations at the bed and breakfast include rooms inside the main plantation house and separate cottages on the grounds. Each room features period-appropriate décor, private bathrooms, and modern conveniences such as Wi-Fi and air conditioning for comfort.
A traditional Southern breakfast is served daily in the dining room. Special packages often include guided tours, access to private areas, or ghost tour tickets, making it easy for guests to choose their preferred level of engagement.
Guest reviews frequently mention late-night story-telling sessions and reports of unusual sights or sounds, especially near the haunted mirror. The property aims to balance its reputation for paranormal activity with comfort and hospitality, ensuring a memorable experience for history buffs and ghost enthusiasts alike.
Myths, Legends, and Comparisons
Numerous tales and competing theories surround the Myrtles Plantation, from legendary curses to stories of tragic souls. Comparisons with other haunted sites reveal both unique traditions and recurring elements found across different locations.
Indian Burial Grounds and Other Legends
The Myrtles Plantation is often said to be built upon an old Indian burial ground, a claim that echoes rumors tied to many Southern locations. This legend explains the supposed restless spirits and mysterious phenomena attributed to the property.
Local lore also details the poisoning of Sara Woodruff and her children by a slave named Chloe, reportedly using crushed oleander leaves. Stories suggest their souls became trapped, particularly in the plantation’s ornate mirror. These kinds of tales—featuring wrongful deaths, cursed objects, and “unfinished business”—are typical in Southern ghost stories.
Other legends mention locations like Laurel Grove and the Hermitage, also associated with tragic events and rumored hauntings. The common thread among these stories is the focus on dramatic incidents and the presence of objects or places believed to capture supernatural energy.
Comparisons with Other Haunted Mansions
The reputation of the Myrtles Plantation invites direct comparison to other infamous haunted residences, such as the Tower of London and the Queen Mary ship. All these places report recurring sightings, spectral faces, and unexplained sounds.
Mansions like those at Pawleys Island and similar Southern estates often showcase stories of ghostly apparitions, unsolved mysteries, and disturbed graves. The Myrtles stands out in popular culture for its iconic haunted mirror, while others might be known for weather events or particular ghostly figures.
Comparison Table: Key Features of Famous Haunted Sites
Mansion/Site Main Legend Notable Haunting Element Myrtles Plantation Chloe & the haunted mirror Trapped souls, ghostly faces Tower of London Royal executions Beheaded apparitions Queen Mary WWII tragedies Ghostly children, footsteps Pawleys Island Gray Man warning of storms Apparitions, predictions
Each site’s stories rely on a mix of documented tragedies, folklore, and local belief, shaping their haunted reputations.
The Setting: St. Francisville and Surrounding Region
Myrtles Plantation stands on high ground near St. Francisville, Louisiana, surrounded by a landscape shaped by rivers, bayous, and Southern plant life. The area’s rich geographical features and proximity to key Louisiana cities give the site both historical and cultural significance.
Bayou Sara and Mississippi River
St. Francisville overlooks the historic Bayou Sara and sits close to the powerful Mississippi River. The waterways have long played a crucial role in the settlement and growth of the region, serving as vital trade and transportation routes for plantations and towns alike.
Bayou Sara, once a thriving port, influenced St. Francisville’s development. Floods and river changes shifted populations and fortunes, leaving remnants of the old town below the historic bluff. The Mississippi’s presence is seen not only in commerce and agriculture but also in the fertile soils that support the area’s lush vegetation.
Today, the proximity of these bodies of water continues to shape the local climate and foliage, adding to the plantation’s distinct Southern setting.
Proximity to Baton Rouge and New Orleans
St. Francisville is located about 30 miles north of Baton Rouge and roughly 100 miles from New Orleans. This situates Myrtles Plantation within convenient reach of major urban centers while preserving a sense of seclusion.
Baton Rouge, as Louisiana’s capital, has long provided economic, political, and cultural connections for the region. Access to New Orleans—known for its vibrant history, port traffic, and architectural influence—has exposed St. Francisville to broader Southern trends and visitors.
Despite this proximity, St. Francisville retains a quieter, rural character distinct from these busy cities, which highlights the plantation’s atmosphere and its draw as a destination for those seeking history and legend.
Gardens and Crepe Myrtles on the Grounds
The grounds of Myrtles Plantation feature extensive gardens and mature plantings that contribute to its setting. Most notable are the crepe myrtles, which provide vivid blooms in shades of pink, lavender, and white throughout the long Louisiana growing season.
Pathways wind through shaded areas lined with live oaks, magnolias, and azaleas. These gardens aren’t just decorative—they reflect broader Southern traditions in landscape design and plantation life.
Maintenance of these plantings preserves the historical and aesthetic appeal of the property, allowing visitors to experience the same natural beauty admired by generations of residents and guests. Existing plant specimens also offer glimpses into gardening techniques that date back to the plantation’s earliest days.
Cultural Impact and Contemporary Perceptions
Stories about the Myrtles Plantation mirror have captured the public’s imagination, shaping how people view haunted sites in the American South. This fascination influences pop culture, tourism, and even the way ghost stories are told in modern times.
Media Features and Popular Culture
The mirror at Myrtles Plantation has become a recurring subject in television specials, documentaries, and books focused on haunted locations.
Notable programs—such as Ghost Adventures and Mysteries at the Museum—have featured the plantation, often emphasizing eyewitness accounts of ghostly faces in the mirror. These depictions regularly rely on interviews with visitors and staff, who recount chilling experiences in vivid detail.
Magazines and websites specializing in paranormal phenomena list the Myrtles mirror among America’s most haunted objects. The story of Chloe, the supposed spirit believed to haunt the mirror, is cited frequently as a defining legend of Southern ghost lore. Social media posts and YouTube videos further fuel interest, sharing unexplained photographs and personal stories.
Popular culture sometimes exaggerates accounts for dramatic effect, but the underlying historical references to tragic events and mysterious deaths at the plantation anchor the narrative. The setting—a classic antebellum home surrounded by bars of Spanish moss and stories of spirits—continues to inspire fiction and investigative journalism on the supernatural.
Public Fascination with the Haunted
Attendance at the Myrtles Plantation regularly surges during events focused on the supernatural. Guided ghost tours highlight the mirror and other legendary spots, drawing both skeptics and true believers.
Many guests come hoping to catch a glimpse of the reported apparitions. The most common reports include shadowy figures, handprints, and faces appearing in the cursed mirror. Some claim to experience cold spots or hear unexplained noises—phenomena frequently associated with haunted bars, ships, and historic homes around the world.
Visitor interest extends beyond pure fright. Some approach the plantation as a historical site with a complex past, while others see it as an entry point into exploring haunted folklore more generally. This blend of curiosity, skepticism, and belief ensures that stories of the mirror’s ghosts remain a lasting part of Southern cultural life.
Related Historic Events
Myrtles Plantation is rooted in a specific historical era that saw dramatic events and challenges in the American South. Its story is shaped by national conflict and local health crises, both of which influenced the daily life and lasting legends of the site.
The Whiskey Rebellion Connection
David Bradford, the original builder of Myrtles Plantation, played a significant role in the Whiskey Rebellion of the 1790s. As a leader among Pennsylvania rebels, Bradford opposed the newly imposed federal whiskey tax, seeing it as an unfair burden on frontier farmers. The conflict escalated into violent protests and government intervention.
When federal troops arrived to suppress the rebellion, Bradford fled south to avoid arrest and prosecution. He settled in Louisiana, where he purchased land and constructed the plantation in 1794. His past as a rebel leader added an air of intrigue and tension to the estate’s early days.
Bradford’s history stands as an example of how national events shaped the lives of individuals in the American South. It connects Myrtles Plantation to early debates over federal power and civil protest.
Influence of Yellow Fever Epidemics
The nineteenth century brought frequent yellow fever outbreaks to Louisiana, and plantations like Myrtles were particularly vulnerable. Enslaved people, owners, and their families faced high mortality and constant fear during these epidemics. The disease spread by mosquitoes, with limited medical knowledge to combat it.
According to local records and oral history, several residents and enslaved workers at Myrtles Plantation succumbed to yellow fever. These outbreaks disrupted daily routines and brought grief to the community. Large homes were often quarantined, and some rooms were converted into makeshift sick wards.
Deaths from yellow fever contributed to stories of loss and tragedy that are sometimes linked to the plantation’s reported hauntings. The enduring presence of disease and death helped shape the reputation of Myrtles as a place of sorrow, with lingering legends tied to its past.
