The Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville, Louisiana, is one of the most famous haunted houses in America. Built in 1796, this historic Southern mansion has a past filled with mystery, tragedy, and chilling paranormal encounters. From ghostly apparitions to unexplained sounds, visitors and paranormal investigators alike claim that the plantation is home to restless spirits. But what is the truth behind these eerie tales?
A Plantation With a Dark Past
The Myrtles Plantation was built by General David Bradford, a wealthy lawyer and businessman. Over the years, it changed ownership multiple times, with each new family adding to its complex history. The plantation became infamous for its connection to slavery, tragedy, and murder, which many believe contributed to its haunted reputation.
One of the most well-known legends involves a slave woman named Chloe. According to the story, Chloe was forced to be a mistress to her owner, Clark Woodruff. After she was caught eavesdropping on private conversations, she was punished by having one of her ears cut off. Seeking revenge, Chloe allegedly poisoned a birthday cake meant for the Woodruff family. Instead of killing Clark, she unintentionally took the lives of his wife and two daughters. Soon after, Chloe was reportedly hanged by other slaves and thrown into the Mississippi River. Many believe her spirit still lingers at the plantation, haunting guests to this day.
The Haunting of Chloe
Chloe is said to be the most famous ghost at the Myrtles Plantation. Visitors have reported seeing a woman wearing a green turban roaming the property. Some claim to have captured her image in photographs, while others report waking up in the middle of the night to find her standing at the foot of their bed. Guests have also described hearing faint whispers and seeing handprints mysteriously appear on mirrors.
One of the most chilling pieces of evidence comes from an old photograph taken on the plantation. In the image, an eerie figure appears near the house, dressed in what looks like a long skirt and turban. Paranormal experts have examined the photo, and many believe it is Chloe’s spirit.
Other Ghostly Encounters
While Chloe is the most famous spirit at the Myrtles Plantation, she is far from the only one. The mansion is believed to be home to at least 12 ghosts, with numerous strange occurrences reported over the years.
One of the most unsettling stories involves the grand piano in the main hall. Guests and staff members claim that the piano plays by itself, despite no one being around. When they check the room, there is no logical explanation for the eerie music.
Another haunted location is the plantation’s large mirror, which is said to hold the trapped spirits of Sara Woodruff and her children—Chloe’s alleged victims. Visitors often see strange handprints appear on the glass, even after it has been cleaned. Some even claim to see ghostly faces staring back at them.
The plantation’s hallways are also known for paranormal activity. Guests report hearing footsteps on the wooden floors when no one is there. Doors open and close on their own, and some visitors say they feel sudden cold spots, even on warm Louisiana nights.
Paranormal Investigations and Ghost Tours
Due to its haunted reputation, the Myrtles Plantation has been featured on numerous paranormal TV shows, including Ghost Hunters and Unsolved Mysteries. Many investigators claim to have recorded ghostly voices, strange shadows, and unexplained energy readings.
Today, the Myrtles Plantation operates as a bed-and-breakfast, attracting both history lovers and ghost hunters. The plantation offers guided tours that take visitors through the haunted rooms and share the spine-chilling stories of past residents. For the truly brave, overnight stays provide a chance to experience the hauntings firsthand.
Haunted or Hype? The Mystery Continues
While skeptics argue that the eerie occurrences at the Myrtles Plantation are nothing more than myths and exaggerated stories, the sheer number of paranormal reports makes it hard to dismiss the possibility of ghosts. Whether the legends are real or simply the result of a dark and tragic past, the Myrtles Plantation remains one of the most mysterious and haunted locations in America.
For those who dare to visit, one thing is certain—The Myrtles Plantation is a place where history and the supernatural seem to intertwine, creating an experience that is both fascinating and terrifying.
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