The Myrtles Plantation, located in St. Francisville, Louisiana, is widely regarded as one of the most haunted houses in America. With its rich history and numerous ghostly encounters, it has become a popular destination for those seeking a paranormal experience. In this blog post, we will delve into the haunting tales and legends that surround The Myrtles Plantation, exploring the history of the house, the ghosts that are said to reside there, and the chilling encounters that visitors have reported over the years.
History of The Myrtles Plantation
The Myrtles Plantation has a long and storied history that dates back to the late 18th century. It was originally built in 1796 by General David Bradford, a successful lawyer and planter. The plantation changed hands several times over the years, with each owner leaving their mark on the property. It was during the ownership of Judge Clark Woodruff in the mid-19th century that tragedy struck and The Myrtles Plantation gained its reputation as a haunted house.
In 1823, Judge Woodruff purchased The Myrtles Plantation and moved his family there. It was during this time that a series of unfortunate events occurred, leading to the deaths of several members of the Woodruff family and their slaves. According to legend, Judge Woodruff had a slave named Chloe who was caught eavesdropping on a conversation. In punishment, her ear was cut off and she was forced to wear a green turban to hide her disfigurement. Seeking revenge, Chloe poisoned a birthday cake that was served to Judge Woodruff’s wife and two of their children. They died shortly after consuming it.
The Ghosts of The Myrtles Plantation
The Myrtles Plantation is said to be haunted by a number of spirits, both from the Woodruff family and the slaves who lived and died on the property. One of the most commonly reported ghosts is that of Chloe, the slave who was said to have poisoned the Woodruff family. Visitors have reported seeing a woman wearing a green turban wandering the grounds and even appearing in photographs taken at The Myrtles Plantation.
Another ghostly presence that is often encountered is that of a young girl named Sarah Woodruff. She is said to have died from yellow fever at the age of three and is often seen playing on the veranda or in the gardens. There have also been reports of a ghostly handprint appearing on a mirror in one of the rooms, believed to be that of Sarah.
The Most Haunted Rooms at The Myrtles Plantation
While The Myrtles Plantation as a whole is considered haunted, there are certain rooms that are said to be more active than others. One such room is the Judge Clark Woodruff Suite, where Chloe is believed to have poisoned the family. Guests have reported feeling a heavy presence in the room and hearing strange noises throughout the night.
Another haunted room is the William Winter Room, named after a former owner of The Myrtles Plantation. Guests have reported seeing a ghostly figure standing at the foot of the bed and feeling an icy chill in the room, even on warm nights. The mirror in this room is also said to be haunted, with visitors reporting seeing faces appear in it when they look into it.
The Legend of Chloe: A Tragic Love Story
One of the most famous legends associated with The Myrtles Plantation is that of Chloe, the slave who allegedly poisoned the Woodruff family. According to the legend, Chloe was in love with Judge Woodruff and became jealous when he began an affair with another slave named Julie. Seeking revenge, Chloe poisoned the birthday cake that was served to the family, resulting in their deaths.
However, there is some debate among historians as to the accuracy of this legend. There are no official records or documentation to support the claim that Chloe existed or that she poisoned the Woodruff family. It is possible that the legend was created to add a spooky element to The Myrtles Plantation’s history and attract visitors.
The Mystery of the Mirror: A Portal to the Past
One of the most intriguing aspects of The Myrtles Plantation’s haunting tales is the mysterious mirror that is said to be a portal to the past. Visitors have reported seeing faces appear in the mirror when they look into it, and some have even claimed to have seen scenes from the past play out before their eyes.
There are several theories as to why this mirror may have supernatural properties. Some believe that it is a residual haunting, where energy from past events is imprinted on the mirror and replayed over time. Others suggest that it may be a form of time slip, where individuals are able to briefly glimpse into another time period.
The Haunted Doll at The Myrtles Plantation
Another eerie presence at The Myrtles Plantation is a haunted doll that is said to reside there. The doll, named Marie, is believed to be possessed by the spirit of a young girl who died on the property. Visitors have reported seeing the doll move on its own and hearing it giggle or cry out in the middle of the night.
There are various theories as to why this doll may be haunted. Some believe that it is a vessel for the spirit of the young girl who died at The Myrtles Plantation, while others suggest that it may be a case of psychokinetic energy, where individuals unknowingly project their thoughts and emotions onto objects.
Other Haunted Houses: Spooky Stories from Around the World
While The Myrtles Plantation is certainly one of the most haunted houses in America, it is not the only one. There are numerous other haunted houses around the world that have their own chilling tales and legends. From the Tower of London in England to the Monte Cristo Homestead in Australia, these haunted houses have captivated the imaginations of people for centuries.
Each haunted house has its own unique history and ghostly encounters. Some are said to be haunted by former residents or victims of tragic events, while others are believed to be inhabited by malevolent spirits. Despite their differences, these haunted houses share a common thread – they have all become part of our collective folklore and continue to intrigue and frighten us to this day.
Urban Legends: The Truth Behind The Myrtles Plantation’s Haunting Tales
Over the years, The Myrtles Plantation has become the subject of various urban legends and exaggerated tales. These stories often add a supernatural twist to the already haunting history of the house, further fueling its reputation as one of the most haunted places in America.
One such urban legend is that The Myrtles Plantation is built on an ancient Native American burial ground, leading to restless spirits haunting the property. However, there is no evidence to support this claim, and it is likely a fabrication created to add an extra layer of spookiness to The Myrtles Plantation’s haunting tales.
Spooky Stories to Tell in the Dark: Ghostly Encounters at The Myrtles Plantation
The Myrtles Plantation has been the site of numerous ghostly encounters over the years, with visitors reporting chilling experiences that have left them questioning their beliefs about the supernatural. From hearing disembodied voices and footsteps to seeing apparitions and objects moving on their own, these encounters have left a lasting impression on those who have experienced them.
While some skeptics may dismiss these encounters as mere figments of the imagination or tricks of the light, others believe that they provide compelling evidence of the existence of ghosts. The Myrtles Plantation’s haunting tales have become part of popular culture and folklore, inspiring countless ghost stories and fueling our fascination with the supernatural.
In conclusion, The Myrtles Plantation’s haunting tales have captivated the imaginations of people for centuries. With its rich history, numerous ghostly encounters, and chilling legends, it has earned its reputation as one of the most haunted houses in America. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there is no denying the allure and intrigue of The Myrtles Plantation and its haunting tales.
