The Myrtles Plantation
Legends of the Vengeful Slave and the Haunting History Behind America’s Most Mysterious Mansion
The Myrtles Plantation in Louisiana is widely regarded as one of America's most haunted houses, with legends centering on a vengeful slave named Chloe whose story has captured public fascination for generations. Reports of ghostly figures, unexplained sounds, and a chilling history have made the plantation a key destination for those interested in paranormal activity and Southern folklore.
Chloe's tale is rooted in the plantation's slave-owning past, involving tragedy, betrayal, and mysterious deaths. Her story—whether fact or legend—remains deeply woven into The Myrtles Plantation's haunted reputation, drawing visitors and investigators to the site.
Exploring the plantation's legends provides insight into the lingering impact of its history and why stories like Chloe’s continue to provoke curiosity and debate among haunted house enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
History of The Myrtles Plantation
The Myrtles Plantation, located in St. Francisville, Louisiana, is recognized for its distinctive antebellum architecture and complicated legacy. Its history involves influential owners, pivotal regional events, and episodes of tragedy that shaped its story.
Founding and Early Owners
The estate was established in 1794 by David Bradford, a notable figure who fled to Louisiana following his involvement in the Whiskey Rebellion. Bradford chose St. Francisville for its remote, yet fertile, land suitable for a plantation home.
Bradford constructed the property as a classic Southern plantation house. After Bradford, the plantation changed ownership several times, passing to his family and later notable figures in Louisiana society. Each new owner left their own mark on both the land and the operation of the plantation.
The property expanded to include large agricultural fields supported by enslaved labor. By the early 19th century, it was a thriving estate, producing cotton and indigo, as was common among plantations of the region.
Role During the Antebellum Era
The Myrtles Plantation played an active role in the antebellum South’s slavery-driven economy. The estate relied heavily on enslaved African Americans, who worked the fields and maintained the home.
Over time, the house was enlarged, and additional structures were built. The plantation reflected the wealth and aspirations of its owners while mirroring the stark realities of social hierarchy in the Deep South.
Records from this era show that the plantation saw periods of prosperity and hardship, shaped by the changing economic and political climate. Despite local legends, there is no credible evidence that President Andrew Jackson ever visited the plantation.
Historic Events and Tragedies
The property’s history was marked by various tragedies, including outbreaks of diseases like yellow fever and tuberculosis. These illnesses claimed the lives of several residents, including members of the owning families and enslaved people.
Natural disasters and economic downturns also impacted operations and ownership. Some deaths on the grounds led to persistent rumors and stories, fueling the lore surrounding Myrtles Plantation’s haunted reputation.
A frequently cited story involves unsolved murders, though historical records confirm far fewer violent events than local legends suggest. The plantation’s history is a blend of documented facts and evolving folklore shaped by generations of storytelling.
Chloe and the Legend of the Vengeful Slave
Chloe remains the most notable figure connected to the ghost stories and hauntings at Myrtles Plantation. The legends about her role, her actions, and her supposed fate have helped shape the site's reputation as a hub for Southern folklore.
Origins of the Chloe Story
The story of Chloe centers on a young enslaved woman who lived on the plantation, reportedly under the ownership of Clark and Sara Woodruff. Sources suggest Chloe was forced or pressured into becoming Clark Woodruff’s mistress, a dynamic all too common in antebellum Southern history.
Accounts claim that, fearing punishment or loss of favor, Chloe began eavesdropping on conversations. Caught in the act, she was punished, typically described as having her ear cut off, and thereafter she was said to wear a green turban. These iconic details—the turbaned ghost and her tragic backstory—have become central motifs in local ghost stories and tours.
While the specifics can vary, the folklore almost always includes these basic elements. Chloe’s tale has become a cornerstone of Myrtles Plantation’s reputation for hauntings, with some visitors and staff reporting ghostly encounters that they attribute to her spirit.
The Murder and Aftermath
According to legend, Chloe allegedly baked a cake laced with poison, intending only to sicken the Woodruff family as a plea for forgiveness or attention. Instead, Sara Woodruff and two of her daughters died. This event is the pivotal crime in the story, anchoring Chloe’s status as the “vengeful slave” in local tradition.
The aftermath, as told by various sources, describes the terror felt among the other enslaved people, who feared collective punishment. In a bid to avoid repercussions, they reportedly hanged Chloe and disposed of her body. This act is said to explain her restless spirit, adding to the hauntings and ghostly phenomena often reported by visitors.
These elements make Chloe’s story central to the site’s folklore, driving interest in its ghost tours and fueling continued reports of paranormal activity—especially sightings of a woman in a green turban. The ghost of Chloe is now considered one of the most persistent legends at the Myrtles Plantation.
Other Ghosts and Supernatural Tales
The Myrtles Plantation is not only known for the legend of the vengeful slave but is also associated with multiple hauntings and unexplained phenomena. Over decades, visitors and paranormal investigators have reported a wide range of ghostly activity throughout the property.
Haunted Rooms and Apparitions
Several rooms at the Myrtles Plantation are reputed to be especially active. The famous Haunted Mirror in the main hallway is said to trap the spirits of previous owners and their children, with strange handprints and shadowy forms appearing on its surface.
In the children’s bedroom, guests have described seeing apparitions of young children at play or standing near the foot of the bed. The grand staircase has been a site of sightings as well, with reports of a woman in old-fashioned clothing who appears briefly before vanishing.
A table of some frequently mentioned haunted locations:
Location Reported Phenomena Main Hallway Mirror Shadowy apparitions, handprints Children’s Bedroom Ghostly figures of children Grand Staircase Lady in period dress
Recurring Paranormal Events
Recurring supernatural events are a defining part of the plantation’s reputation. Unexplained footsteps and voices echo throughout the night, especially in empty hallways or closed rooms. Cold spots, a common sign for ghost hunters, have been measured in several areas, often with sudden temperature drops documented on equipment.
Lights are reported to flicker or turn on and off despite no electrical issues. Doors sometimes open and close without explanation, and objects such as candles or vases move from their places. These events are often witnessed by multiple people, adding to their credibility among paranormal investigators.
Several organized ghost hunts have detected unusual readings on EMF meters and captured electronic voice phenomena (EVP). These findings support claims that supernatural activity is not limited to random chance or single locations.
Notable Witness Accounts
The plantation has hosted visitors from all backgrounds, including skeptics and professional ghost hunters. Many have left with personal accounts of unexplained occurrences. In interviews and tour logs, witnesses describe seeing full-body apparitions in both daylight and at night, sometimes even documented on photographs.
Former staff have recounted hearing children’s laughter in the hallways when no one else was present. A few guests have claimed to feel unseen hands touching their arms or pulling on their clothes. Unsolved Mysteries and Ghost Hunters both featured the Myrtles Plantation, highlighting testimonies from investigators who experienced physical phenomena—tapping, sudden chills, faint whispers—that were difficult to debunk.
Reliable reports often share similar details, such as the appearance of the same figures or sensations in identical rooms. This consistency is frequently noted by those who return for additional investigations.
Hauntings and Folklore: A Broader Context
Ghost stories tied to The Myrtles Plantation are part of a much larger fabric of haunted American homes. The tale of Chloe is influenced by regional legends and shaped by comparisons with other infamous places.
Comparison With Other Notorious Haunted Homes
The Myrtles Plantation’s reputation stands alongside other haunted sites such as the Lalaurie Mansion in New Orleans, the Winchester House in California, and the Stanley Hotel in Colorado.
Key Comparisons:
Lalaurie Mansion in New Orleans is known for stories of cruelty and spectral appearances, rooted in its history of mistreatment.
Winchester House attracts visitors with tales of restless spirits and the myth that its peculiar architecture was meant to confuse ghosts.
Stanley Hotel inspired Stephen King's "The Shining" and is noted for frequent reports of unexplained noises and apparitions.
These locations, like The Myrtles, are famed more for their folklore and haunting legends than verified supernatural events. Each setting draws on local history and tragic events, fueling their reputations and ongoing ghost stories.
Regional Legends and Influence
Southern folklore is rich with stories of hauntings, especially where histories of slavery, violence, and loss are present. The Myrtles Plantation is often linked in regional conversation to sites like Indian burial grounds or tragic locations near towns such as Tunica.
New Orleans, with its deep French, African, and Creole influences, has shaped the narrative style of these legends, merging real historical suffering with supernatural tales. Salem’s witch trials and the lore of the haunted house feed into the broader American appetite for ghost stories.
These regional elements elevate places like The Myrtles to iconic status in haunted lore, amplifying their presence in books, popular culture, and local tourism. Folklore transforms historical sites into symbols, layered with myth and collective memory.
Modern-Day Myrtles Plantation
Today, The Myrtles Plantation serves both as a historic site and a destination for overnight guests, attracting interest for its atmosphere and its famed ghost stories. Visitors encounter a blend of historic preservation, hospitality, and the lingering reputation as one of America's most haunted houses.
Visiting the Bed and Breakfast
The Myrtles Plantation operates as a bed and breakfast, offering guests the opportunity to stay in rooms within the plantation house or in cottages on the grounds. Accommodations are designed to reflect the period style, blending vintage décor with modern comforts such as private bathrooms and air conditioning.
Guests often choose the plantation for its peaceful scenery and distinctive ambiance. Breakfast is typically served in the plantation’s restaurant, known as the Carriage House, featuring southern-style dishes. Many guests report experiencing unusual occurrences or strange noises at night, contributing to the property’s reputation among ghost hunters.
Key Features:
Historic guest rooms and suites
On-site dining at the Carriage House
Grounds available for private events and weddings
Tours and Paranormal Investigations
Multiple tours are offered daily, including guided history tours and specialty ghost tours after dark. The guides share detailed accounts of the plantation’s past residents and infamous legends, particularly the story of Chloe, the alleged vengeful slave ghost.
Types of Tours:
Daytime Historical Tours: Focus on the home's architecture and family history
Evening Mystery Tours: Center on documented ghost stories and supernatural sightings
Private Investigations: Paranormal investigators and ghost hunters can book time for overnight research using specialized equipment
The Myrtles is a frequent stop for paranormal enthusiasts. Over the years, it has welcomed both amateur and professional ghost hunters, some of whom claim to have recorded unexplained phenomena.
Role in Popular Culture
The plantation has become a recognizable name among haunted houses in the United States, frequently featured in media. It has appeared on television shows such as Ghost Hunters and Unsolved Mysteries. Documentaries and online videos have also highlighted sightings and investigations by paranormal groups.
The plantation maintains a presence in books, podcasts, and websites devoted to hauntings. Its stories, especially those about Chloe, continue to attract writers, filmmakers, and ghost story enthusiasts. The enduring popularity helps reinforce the site’s identity as both a historic bed and breakfast and a destination for those intrigued by the supernatural.
Evaluating the Myths and Realities
Stories about the Myrtles Plantation blend vivid ghost stories with documented history. Many legends surrounding vengeful slaves have been repeated for generations, but not all are supported by historical evidence.
Historians’ Perspectives
Historians approach the stories of the Myrtles Plantation with skepticism and methodical research. They rely on property records, census data, and contemporary accounts to separate authentic events from folklore.
The legend of "Chloe," a slave said to haunt the house, is not clearly supported by historical documents. No records confirm a slave by that name at the plantation. While tales of murder and revenge are common, verified cases of slave uprisings or deadly incidents at the site are scarce.
Academic investigations also highlight the social context in which these legends arose. Enslaved people’s suffering was genuine, but most ghost stories developed in later decades, often reflecting anxieties around slavery and race rather than actual events. For historians, accuracy and careful sourcing are key.
Separating Fact from Fiction
Several common claims about the Myrtles Plantation—such as ten murders occurring there—have been debunked by research.
Claim Historical Evidence Folklore Status Chloe the Vengeful Slave No record of Chloe found Persistent myth Multiple Murders Only one documented killing Exaggerated lore
Ghost stories often emphasize dramatic narratives, with recurring motifs like poisoned cakes or vengeful spirits. However, these elements lack solid verification.
Folklore adapts over time, and visitors often add their own accounts, further blurring fact and fiction. Understanding Myrtles Plantation requires considering both the harsh realities of its past and the appeal of its legends.
