Nestled beneath centuries-old oak trees draped in Spanish moss, The Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville, Louisiana, is a beautifully preserved slice of Southern history — and one of America’s most haunted houses. This storied antebellum mansion is a must-visit destination for history buffs, architecture lovers, and, most especially, ghost hunters. With chilling tales whispered around every corner and ghostly figures captured in photos, The Myrtles Plantation is more than just a historical landmark; it’s a living legend.
Whether you’re drawn by its rich past or eager to experience a paranormal encounter firsthand, this iconic plantation delivers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Louisiana’s haunted history.
The History
Early Days on the Bayou
The Myrtles Plantation’s story begins in 1796 when General David Bradford, a man fleeing involvement in the Whiskey Rebellion, constructed the original home. Then known as “Laurel Grove,” the plantation was built on a hill overlooking the winding Bayou Sara. Though Bradford was a man of means, he lived at the home quietly until he received a pardon and later brought his wife and children from Pennsylvania.
The house underwent significant renovations over the years, especially under the ownership of Ruffin Gray Stirling and his wife Mary Catherine Cobb in the 1830s. Stirling expanded the property into a full Southern mansion with 22 rooms and lavish touches such as hand-painted stained-glass windows and ornamental woodwork. It was during this time that the estate was renamed to “The Myrtles” for the crepe myrtle trees that bloom throughout the grounds.
Slavery and the Wealth of the South
Like many Southern plantations, The Myrtles was built and maintained on the forced labor of enslaved people. While romanticized in some records, the wealth and elegance of the estate came at a human cost. The stories passed down today often leave out the specific names and lives of those enslaved — a somber reality that haunts the legacy nearly as much as its famous ghosts.
War, Tragedy, and Rebuilding
The Civil War and Reconstruction drastically reshaped life at The Myrtles. Ownership passed through several generations, many suffering tragic losses due to yellow fever outbreaks, economic hardship, and violence. Despite these turbulent times, the mansion endured, and over the years took on an air not just of historical weight — but of something otherworldly. Legend suggests that as many as 10 murders occurred at The Myrtles Plantation, though recorded history confirms only a few. This blurred line between fact and folklore forms the foundation of the mansion’s haunted reputation.
The Haunt
The Legend of Chloe
By far the most famous ghost at The Myrtles is Chloe, believed to be a former enslaved woman who lived and worked at the house. According to legend, Chloe had her ear cut off after being caught eavesdropping. To regain favor with the family, she allegedly poisoned a birthday cake, unintentionally killing two of the plantation owner’s children. She was then hanged by fellow slaves and thrown into the Mississippi River.
Her spirit, however, is said to never have left. Visitors and staff routinely report seeing a woman in a green turban wandering the grounds, and Chloe has allegedly appeared in several photographs taken at the plantation — most notably in a 1992 photo that even the National Geographic labeled “unexplainable.”
Children Who Never Left
For those sensitive to paranormal energy, the ghostly presence of children is palpable throughout the house. Guests have heard phantom giggles, footsteps on staircases, and even the occasional tug on a sleeve — only to find no one there. Some say these are the spirits of the Woodruff children who died from accidental poisoning, possibly linked to Chloe, though historical accuracy is murky. Nonetheless, the spectral sounds of children playing have frequently been picked up during EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) sessions conducted onsite by paranormal investigators.
The Woman in the Mirror
Guests often stop in front of an old mirror inside the plantation, drawn by the eerie images that seem to appear in its glass. Legend claims this mirror holds the trapped souls of Sara Woodruff and her children, who died of yellow fever. Folklore suggests the mirror wasn’t properly covered after their deaths — a Southern tradition believed to prevent spirits from becoming trapped. Over the years, countless people have claimed to see handprints and faces in the mirror that cleaning simply can’t erase.
The Staircase Apparition
Another hotbed of paranormal activity is the grand staircase where a man was allegedly shot. Many visitors claim to see a shadowy figure appear on the stairs or hear phantom footsteps descending when the hall is empty. Paranormal tours have recorded temperature drops in a specific spot on the staircase, a classic clue of supernatural presence.
Daily Activity and Modern Hauntings
These aren’t just historical accounts or ghost stories passed down — activity continues to this day. Modern guests staying at the plantation’s bed & breakfast report doors opening on their own, whispered voices in the early morning hours, and even full-bodied apparitions appearing in rooms.
Tools of the paranormal trade — EMF detectors, spirit boxes, thermal cameras — have all captured unexplained phenomena at The Myrtles Plantation. Paranormal investigators from around the world continue to return, drawn to its seemingly endless supply of otherworldly encounters.
Conclusion: Dare to Visit The Myrtles Plantation?
Whether you’re a seasoned paranormal investigator or a curious traveler fascinated by the unknown, visiting The Myrtles Plantation offers an experience that’s as haunting as it is historic. The blend of antebellum grandeur and ghostly lore creates a destination unlike any other in the United States.
You can stay the night at The Myrtles, join a guided ghost tour, or even participate in an overnight paranormal investigation. And if you’re lucky — or unlucky, depending on your perspective — you just might encounter one of its famous spirits face-to-face.
So pack your gear, say a little prayer, and step into the shadows of history. The Myrtles Plantation is waiting for you — and so are its ghosts.