Nestled in the heart of New Orleans’ iconic French Quarter sits a hotel steeped in Southern charm, colonial history, and a strong dose of paranormal activity — The Andrew Jackson Hotel. This captivating hotel might seem like just another beautiful 18th-century building at first glance, but those who’ve stayed overnight—or run screaming into the humid streets—can attest to its haunted reputation. Rich with stories from the past and echoes of spirits that never checked out, The Andrew Jackson Hotel delights both history buffs and ghost hunters alike. Ready to dive into its shadowy corridors? Let’s uncover the mysteries and legends that make this hotel a must-visit for thrill-seekers and historians alike.
The History
Colonial Roots and a Boys’ Boarding School
The site of The Andrew Jackson Hotel dates back to the 18th century—an era when New Orleans was still under Spanish control. In 1792, a boarding school for boys was constructed on the site. It was a place of education, structure, and unfortunately, tragedy. A devastating fire engulfed the building in 1794, reportedly killing five young boys. Their names may be lost to time, but their presence, many believe, linger in the structure rebuilt years later.
The Courthouse Years
After the fire razed the school, the lot didn’t remain vacant for long. By the early 1800s, a U.S. Federal Courthouse was constructed here. This building played a pivotal role in early American judiciary history—and it’s rumored that the famous General Andrew Jackson, whom the hotel is now named after, was fined here for contempt of court after a heated dispute with a judge.
Transformation into a Hotel
It wasn’t until the 1890s that the courthouse was torn down and replaced with the elegant Creole townhouse that stands today as The Andrew Jackson Hotel. Built in classic French Quarter style with its wrought-iron balconies, romantic courtyard, and antique-filled rooms, the hotel embodies old-world charm mixed with a lingering feel of the otherworldly. Over the decades, it changed hands, was restored, and eventually became a historic boutique hotel with 21 rooms—each one harboring secrets of a bygone era.
The Haunt
Ghostly Children Roaming the Halls
The most frequently reported paranormal occurrence at The Andrew Jackson Hotel is the sound—and sometimes sightings—of children’s laughter and footsteps echoing through the halls, especially late at night. Guests have described hearing small feet running in their rooms only to find them empty upon inspection. Some have even awoken to the sound of boys giggling and playing near their beds, despite no children being registered at the hotel.
Most believe these spectral children are the spirits of the five boys who perished in the 1794 fire. Room 208 is said to be particularly active—many claim the spirit of a young boy named Armond resides there. Numerous guests have reported seeing a small boy standing by the window before fading into thin air. Toys have moved seemingly on their own, and digital devices often malfunction in his presence.
The Specter of a Loyal Housekeeper
Another frequent ghost sighting involves the apparition of an older woman who appears to be a housekeeper. Dressed in colonial-era attire, she’s been spotted by several staff members and guests over the years. She’s said to be benevolent, tidying rooms and gently waking guests—sometimes with a whisper or a soft touch on the shoulder. Some psychic visitors believe she remains to care for the children she once looked after in life.
Andrew Jackson Himself?
While there’s no definitive proof that General Andrew Jackson haunts the property, some guests and investigators have reported seeing an angry male spirit roaming near the hotel’s courtyard and staircase. Could this be Jackson still fuming about his former fine at the old courthouse that once stood on this ground? Or is it the lingering energy of the many heated debates and trials that took place on the property during its courthouse days? It’s hard to say—but ghost hunters with sensitive instruments often detect the strongest EMF spikes near these locations.
Apparitions, Cold Spots, and EVP Recordings
Dozens of paranormal investigation teams have checked into The Andrew Jackson Hotel over the years. EVPs—Electronic Voice Phenomena—have captured faint whispering voices, laughter, and cries for help in multiple rooms. Cold spots are frequently documented in the courtyard and Room 208. Some investigators experience intense emotional waves, from dread to child-like joy, while exploring various parts of the hotel. The use of thermal imaging often reveals humanoid shapes in unoccupied areas.
Notable Investigations and TV Appearances
The Andrew Jackson Hotel has featured in several paranormal television series, including Travel Channel’s Ghost Adventures and Haunted Hotels. Each appearance brings a fresh set of eerie evidence—shadow figures caught on film, ghost voices captured on tape, and investigators getting spooked by sudden temperature drops or unseen touches.
Planning Your Paranormal Stay
So, why should The Andrew Jackson Hotel top your ghost-hunting travel list? First, it’s a rare location where history and hauntings intertwine so seamlessly. Whether you’re a believer or simply intrigued, the hotel provides not just a comfortable stay, but a portal into a time long gone—and perhaps never entirely left behind.
Rooms are elegantly decorated in period furnishings, and it’s hard not to feel like you’re stepping into a different century as you stroll through the courtyard or sip coffee on one of the wrought-iron balconies. For the adventurous, Room 208 offers the best chance of a paranormal encounter. Be sure to arrive with your EMF detector, voice recorder, and perhaps a pinch of courage.
The hotel is centrally located, making it easy to explore nearby haunted hot spots like the LaLaurie Mansion, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, and Pirate’s Alley. But for those who prefer to let the spirits come to them—well, there’s plenty of spectral company right within the walls of The Andrew Jackson Hotel.
In a city known for its ghosts, voodoo, and rich folklore, The Andrew Jackson Hotel stands as a glowing beacon for lovers of legend and the supernatural. Whether you’re new to ghost hunting or a seasoned investigator seeking your next thrill, pack your gear, book a stay, and prepare for a night you may never forget.