The Myrtles Plantation: Ghost Stories and Modern Investigators Explore Haunted Legends
The Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville, Louisiana, is widely recognized as one of the most haunted houses in America. With a long history marked by ghost stories, legends, and reports of unexplained phenomena, the plantation draws modern investigators and curious visitors year-round. Many guests and paranormal researchers have reported encounters with apparitions, mysterious sounds, and other unexplained events throughout the property.
Over time, tales of the Myrtles Plantation’s haunted past have become closely tied to its legacy, sparking the interest of ghost hunters and historians alike. The location continues to attract those seeking answers to the enduring mysteries that surround its halls and grounds.
History of The Myrtles Plantation
The Myrtles Plantation, located in St. Francisville, Louisiana, is often cited in discussions of haunted history and preservation efforts in the American South. Its architectural and social history reveals influences from both the antebellum era and later restoration activities.
Origins and Construction
The Myrtles Plantation was constructed in 1796 by David Bradford, a prominent figure who sought refuge in Louisiana after the Whiskey Rebellion. The original structure was a modest home, reflecting the architectural style of the late 18th century but expanded over time.
Bradford, also known as "Whiskey Dave," later brought his family to the property after securing a pardon. The plantation was initially built on land acquired in Spanish West Florida, with a design that incorporated features suited to Louisiana’s climate, such as broad verandas.
After Bradford’s death, the plantation changed hands within his family. The property continued to grow, both in size and reputation, as subsequent owners added to and renovated the original house.
The Plantation Through the Centuries
Throughout the 19th century, Myrtles Plantation operated as a working plantation reliant on enslaved labor. The house and grounds became central to local agricultural activity, with cotton as a primary crop.
Ownership shifted several times, with prominent local families like the Woodruffs overseeing the estate. Judge Clarke Woodruff made significant modifications and lived there with his family, giving rise to some of the property’s most persistent ghost stories.
By the 20th century, the plantation’s reputation as a haunted site began to spread, attracting both casual visitors and dedicated paranormal investigators. These stories, while not always historically verifiable, have become part of the plantation’s enduring legacy.
Renovation and Preservation
Efforts to maintain and restore The Myrtles have intensified since the mid-20th century. Renovations have focused on both structural integrity and historical accuracy to preserve its distinctive Creole architecture.
Some sections of the house and outbuildings had suffered from neglect prior to being recognized as a historic site. New owners undertook critical repairs, including roof restoration and preservation of original woodwork.
Today, The Myrtles operates as a bed-and-breakfast, offering tours centered on its haunted plantation history. Ongoing preservation ensures that both its architectural heritage and storied past remain accessible to the public, balancing historical accuracy with its reputation for supernatural activity.
Notorious Ghost Stories and Legends
The Myrtles Plantation is home to numerous ghost stories, with legends that have attracted visitors, historians, and paranormal investigators for decades. Its tales range from tragic deaths to infamous spirits said to haunt the historic property.
The Tale of Chloe
Chloe is perhaps the most well-known spirit associated with the Myrtles Plantation. According to legend, Chloe was an enslaved woman on the plantation who became involved with her owner, Clark Woodruff. As the story goes, Chloe was caught eavesdropping and punished by having her ear cut off, after which she wore a green turban to hide her injury.
The legend states that Chloe baked a cake laced with poisonous oleander, either as revenge or a misguided attempt to regain favor. The cake was eaten by the family, resulting in the deaths of Sara Woodruff and two of her children. Chloe was allegedly hanged by her fellow slaves and is said to haunt the plantation since then.
Numerous visitors have reported seeing a female figure in a green turban. Some believe Chloe’s restless spirit lingers due to guilt or injustice. Photographs have also circulated claiming to show Chloe’s ghost near the main house.
William Winter's Tragic Fate
William Winter, a former owner, is the central figure in another famous haunting at the Myrtles. According to historical accounts, Winter was shot by an unknown assailant on the front porch in 1871. Severely wounded, he is said to have staggered inside and climbed the stairs, collapsing and dying on the 17th step.
Visitors often report hearing footsteps echoing up the staircase, thought to be Winter’s final steps. Some paranormal researchers claim that this residual haunting is one of the most commonly experienced phenomena in the house.
Guides sometimes recount that Winter’s death has left an imprint on the house, leading to frequent sightings and unexplained activity. The story has made the staircase one of the most scrutinized spots for those seeking evidence of spirits.
The Legend of the Slave Girl
Apart from Chloe, reports exist of other spirits believed to be former enslaved individuals. One enduring legend concerns a lighter-skinned slave girl, sometimes confused with Chloe. This apparition has been photographed near the house, sparking debate among ghost hunters and historians alike.
The story suggests that this spirit may appear at windows or while tending to chores. Local tradition holds that the girl’s spirit remains on the grounds, possibly drawn back by past trauma or unfinished business.
Investigators sometimes point to these sightings as evidence of the plantation’s troubled past. Some claim that the atmosphere shifts in locations where apparitions are reportedly seen, though explanations are widely debated.
Ghost Tales Shared Over Generations
Ghost stories at the Myrtles Plantation have been passed down through families, guides, and guests for many years. Visitors frequently share accounts of cold spots, mysterious noises, and apparitions that defy explanation.
Notable experiences include glimpses of children’s spirits playing under old oak trees and the presence of a sorrowful woman in period dress. Apparitions are sometimes claimed to appear in mirrors or in the backgrounds of photographs.
These tales contribute to the plantation’s reputation as a haunted house and fuel ongoing interest from both skeptics and believers. Paranormal investigators continue to document these stories, adding to the rich tapestry of haunting legends associated with the site.
Paranormal Activity and Sightings
The Myrtles Plantation is often cited as one of the most haunted places in the United States. Over the decades, numerous accounts describe persistent paranormal activity, unexplained phenomena, and sightings of both benign and malevolent spirits.
Documented Ghost Sightings
Visitors and investigators have reported seeing ghostly apparitions throughout the plantation. One of the most frequently mentioned entities is a woman in antebellum dress, believed by some to be the spirit of Chloe, a former enslaved person associated with the property. Her image is said to have appeared in photographs and eyewitness accounts near the main house and grounds.
The plantation also features stories about a haunted mirror, reportedly holding the spirits of Sara Woodruff and her children. Guests have claimed to see handprints and faces appear in the glass, even after cleaning. These recurring observations have led to the mirror becoming a focal point for those interested in haunted artifacts at the plantation.
Several other spirits—including children—are described in reports. Apparitions of children playing on the verandas, along with unexplained footsteps and laughter, have contributed to the site's reputation for intense ghost activity.
Malevolent Spirits Reported
Not all spirits at the Myrtles are thought to be friendly. Some witnesses have described encounters with malevolent entities that create feelings of unease or fear. Certain rooms, particularly the former slave quarters and upstairs bedrooms, are frequently noted as hotspots for threatening energy.
Accounts include sudden cold spots, objects moving without explanation, and doors opening or slamming shut with no visible cause. Some visitors have reported being physically touched or pushed, while others have sensed an overwhelming feeling of hostility or being watched. Investigators, including paranormal television crews, have documented spikes in electromagnetic fields and abrupt battery drain, further fueling beliefs about aggressive hauntings.
While some skeptics argue environmental factors may play a role, the volume and consistency of reports make these tales notable among ghost hunters and researchers.
Paranormal Experiences of Guests
Many overnight guests and daily visitors have shared their own firsthand paranormal experiences. Common phenomena include disembodied voices heard after dark, shadowy figures crossing rooms, and mysterious footsteps echoing in hallways where no one is present.
Anecdotal reports detail beds shaking in the middle of the night and items disappearing only to reappear elsewhere. Some guests have recorded audio and video evidence of unexplained orbs, cold spots, and sudden fluctuations in temperature.
Interaction with alleged spirits occurs frequently during guided tours and independent explorations. Guests often leave written testimonials in on-site journals, documenting ghost sightings and unexplained events. This accumulation of personal stories continues to attract both skeptics and believers to the haunted plantation.
Modern Investigators and Scientific Approaches
Researchers and enthusiasts continue to visit the Myrtles Plantation, seeking to verify claims of paranormal activity. Their investigations blend structured scientific methods with tools and input from varied disciplines.
Paranormal Investigation Teams
Teams specializing in haunted places frequently examine the Myrtles Plantation. These groups range from local paranormal societies to well-known national organizations.
Many investigators focus on collecting concrete evidence of paranormal experience, including temperature changes, unexplained sounds, and other phenomena. Their work often includes documenting alleged ghost sightings or unexplained events reported by guests.
Investigators typically follow a standardized protocol: initial interviews, historical research, and monitored nighttime vigils. This approach aims to separate unexplained occurrences from natural explanations.
Public events and overnight investigations at the plantation offer opportunities to engage directly with investigators’ methods and findings. These team efforts draw both skeptics and believers interested in scientific exploration of haunted locations.
Technology and Tools Used
Modern investigations utilize a diverse range of instruments to detect and analyze potential paranormal activity. Common devices include electromagnetic field (EMF) meters, digital voice recorders for capturing electronic voice phenomena (EVP), and infrared cameras for night vision.
Thermal imaging cameras help detect temperature anomalies that some believe may indicate the presence of spirits. Motion sensors are set up to capture movement in reportedly haunted rooms.
Investigators often employ data-logging software and real-time monitoring equipment to track environmental fluctuations. The evidence is later reviewed for patterns or anomalies that could suggest the presence of a ghost or unexplained entity.
The use of multiple tools allows for more comprehensive coverage, and any unexplained results are scrutinized to rule out technical errors or environmental factors. The technology plays a central role in legitimizing or dismissing reports of paranormal experiences at the Myrtles Plantation.
Role of Psychic Mediums
Some investigation teams collaborate with psychic mediums, believing their sensitivities may help identify areas of heightened activity. These individuals claim to pick up on energies or communicate with spirits thought to remain at haunted places like Myrtles Plantation.
Mediums often join walkthroughs of the property, reporting impressions or visions connected to the plantation’s past. Their insights sometimes correlate with historical accounts or reported encounters from guests.
While the scientific community remains divided on the validity of psychic input, many teams include mediums for a more holistic approach. Their observations can guide technical teams to locations where unusual phenomena might be documented.
Mediums’ findings are typically recorded and compared to electronic evidence from equipment, helping to discern patterns that repeat across investigations. This collaboration emphasizes a balance between intuitive and empirical methods in modern paranormal study.
Haunted Experiences and Tours
The Myrtles Plantation draws visitors with its blend of historical atmosphere and recurring reports of unexplained activity. Tour options, overnight stays, and annual events provide unique ways to learn about the legends and experience the site firsthand.
Ghost Tours at The Myrtles Plantation
The plantation offers both self-guided and guided ghost tours focused on its reputation for hauntings. These tours highlight sites linked to reported events—such as the infamous staircase, haunted hallways, and the mirror said to trap spirits.
Guided historical tours operate throughout the day, while “evening mystery tours” are held nightly. Tour guides often incorporate documented stories and local folklore, sharing accounts from guests and staff alike.
Tours typically last about an hour. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions or share any on-site experiences. Photography is permitted on most tours, although some areas may be restricted for preservation reasons.
Staying at the Bed-and-Breakfast
Guests can book overnight accommodations at the on-site bed-and-breakfast, which features rooms in both the main house and smaller cottages on the grounds. Some guest rooms are associated with specific legends or reported paranormal activity.
Staying overnight gives guests access to parts of the house not shown on the standard guided tour. Late-night sounds, phantom footsteps, and temperature drops are among the phenomena guests claim to have experienced.
Breakfast is included and served in the main dining area. The property maintains historic décor, adding to the immersion for those interested in both history and ghost stories.
Halloween Events and Gatherings
During October, the Myrtles Plantation hosts special Halloween events designed to immerse guests in its folklore. These often include extended after-dark tours, storytelling sessions, and themed gatherings on the grounds.
Halloween tours tend to focus on the plantation’s best-known legends, such as Chloe and the mysterious handprints. Costumed guides may appear, and some events feature interactive elements where visitors participate in ghost-themed games or investigations.
Advance reservations are strongly recommended for Halloween events, as October is one of the busiest times of year for the plantation. Special event packages can sometimes include meals or overnight stays, depending on availability.
The Myrtles Plantation in Southern Haunting Lore
The Myrtles Plantation stands as a notable site in the lore of haunted Louisiana, attracting both skeptics and believers. Its legacy stretches from chilling tales to modern investigations, placing it among the region’s key paranormal landmarks.
Reputation in Haunted Louisiana
Located in St. Francisville, Louisiana, The Myrtles Plantation is widely cited as one of the state’s most haunted locations. Visitors and employees have reported unexplained sights, noises, and ghostly encounters for decades.
Stories about Myrtles often mention former residents, untimely deaths, and local legends like that of Chloe, an enslaved woman tied to supernatural occurrences. Some attribute the site's reputation to tragic events and the plantation's long history, including its early use of enslaved labor.
Most notably, The Myrtles is often featured in popular ghost tours and paranormal television series. Its reputation relies not only on reported hauntings but also on an enduring interest in Louisiana’s distinctly haunted past.
Comparison with LaLaurie House and Other Haunted Sites
The Myrtles Plantation is often compared to other famous haunted sites in Louisiana, such as the LaLaurie House in New Orleans. While both properties are linked to tragic histories and alleged supernatural activity, their reputations differ in specifics.
Comparison Table:
Site Location Famous for Historical Context Myrtles Plantation St. Francisville Ghost sightings, Chloe lore Enslavement, alleged murders LaLaurie House New Orleans Torture, spectral figures Infamous owner, abuse
The LaLaurie House is notorious for its dark past connected to Madame LaLaurie, while Myrtles' ghost stories focus more on recurring apparitions and haunted objects. Despite these differences, both sites are essential stops on haunted Louisiana tours.
Connections to New Orleans: A Haunted City
Although located outside of New Orleans, The Myrtles Plantation shares cultural and historic ties with Louisiana’s most famous haunted city. New Orleans is globally recognized for its haunted places, voodoo traditions, and spectral legends.
Travelers often visit both New Orleans and The Myrtles as part of broader ghost-themed routes across southern Louisiana. The plantation’s stories are included in discussions of the state’s rich haunted heritage, alongside sites like the LaLaurie House and St. Louis Cemetery No. 1.
New Orleans’ influence on southern haunting lore has helped shape the popularity and context of ghost stories at The Myrtles, connecting rural legends to the urban supernatural traditions of the city.
Notable Residents, Owners, and Chroniclers
The Myrtles Plantation has seen a variety of residents and storytellers who have contributed to its reputation as a haunted location. Key figures such as former owner Frances Kermeen and local chronicler Cookie have shaped public fascination and historical record through their personal experiences and written works.
Frances Kermeen's Accounts
Frances Kermeen owned the Myrtles Plantation in the late twentieth century and played a pivotal role in popularizing its ghost stories. During her time at the property, Kermeen claimed to witness and document unexplained events ranging from phantom footsteps to apparitions in old photographs.
Kermeen authored a book detailing her experiences, exploring daily life on the plantation and the reported supernatural phenomena. Through interviews, public speeches, and media appearances, she further established the plantation's reputation as a site of paranormal activity.
Visitors and modern ghost investigators often reference Kermeen’s accounts as a source of firsthand information. Her detailed stories about the ghosts, historical legends, and her own encounters remain central to the plantation's allure.
The Story of Cookie
Cookie, a local figure and chronicler, is known for preserving the Myrtles Plantation’s legends and sharing vital information with staff and guests. As a storyteller, Cookie has provided tours and firsthand accounts that enrich the narrative of the plantation’s past residents and eerie events.
She has helped to maintain traditional tales associated with the site, often recounting anecdotes that blend historical facts with local color. Cookie's efforts ensure that visitors not only learn about the supernatural stories but also about the individuals who lived and worked at the plantation.
Her role bridges the gap between historical fact and legend, making the stories accessible to new generations. Cookie’s insights complement the investigative work of owners and paranormal researchers by emphasizing the human element behind the legends.
