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| Inside The Myrtles Plantation: America’s Most Haunted Home Revealed |
The Myrtles Plantation: A Southern Mansion Wrapped in Mystery
Nestled beneath a canopy of moss-draped oaks in St. Francisville, Louisiana, The Myrtles Plantation is far more than a historic home it's widely considered one of the most haunted houses in America. From the outside, it looks like the kind of classic Southern mansion you’d see in a period drama white columns, wraparound porches, and towering trees whispering with the wind. But step through the front door, and you’ll be walking straight into a chilling legend that’s gripped America’s fascination for decades.
Built in 1796 by General David Bradford, the Myrtles has changed hands numerous times, with each family seemingly adding more sorrow and spirits to its story. According to local lore, the plantation is the site of at least ten murders, though historical records confirm far fewer. Still, ghost stories persist. Lights flicker without reason. Footsteps echo through empty halls. Mirrors show faces that shouldn’t be there. The Myrtles is not just a house it's an emotional sponge, soaking up every tragedy and trauma over centuries.
For American readers interested in ghost tours, haunted places, or even historical mysteries, The Myrtles Plantation offers a truly immersive experience. It blurs the line between myth and reality in the most unsettling way possible.
The Legend of Chloe: Ghost or Grief Personified?
The most famous ghost said to haunt The Myrtles is Chloe, an enslaved woman whose story has become deeply embedded in Southern folklore. As the tale goes, Chloe was a servant for Judge Clark Woodruff and his family. After being caught eavesdropping on private conversations, her ear was cut off as punishment. Chloe began wearing a green turban to hide the injury.
What came next is tragic and disturbing. Seeking revenge or perhaps desperate to regain favor Chloe allegedly baked a cake laced with poisonous oleander leaves, intending to make the children mildly ill and appear as their savior. But the plan went horribly wrong. Judge Woodruff’s wife and two daughters died from the poison. Chloe was soon discovered and was hanged by fellow slaves, her body thrown into the Mississippi River.
Whether Chloe’s story is real or a fabricated blend of guilt, grief, and Southern gothic imagination, visitors continue to report sightings of a woman in a green turban. She appears in photos, mirrors, and even reflections in glass. Her story taps into painful chapters of American history, and her ghost real or not stands as a chilling reminder of the country’s complicated past.
Ghost Sightings and Paranormal Phenomena at The Myrtles
While Chloe may be the plantation’s most famous spirit, she is far from the only one. Over the years, visitors and staff have reported a wide range of paranormal encounters. Some feel a cold hand brush their back. Others hear whispers in empty rooms or doors creaking open without explanation. There's even a haunted mirror in the foyer that allegedly traps the souls of Sara Woodruff and her children, who were never given a proper burial.
People claim to see handprints appear in the mirror, despite it being cleaned daily. Cameras malfunction inside certain rooms. Tourists often describe intense unease or sudden dizziness when entering specific areas, particularly the children’s nursery and the judge’s study.
The plantation has been the subject of numerous paranormal investigations, including TV appearances on shows like Ghost Adventures, Unsolved Mysteries, and Most Terrifying Places in America. Paranormal experts often leave The Myrtles with more questions than answers. Whether you're a full-on ghost hunter or a casual visitor with a curiosity for the unexplained, The Myrtles never disappoints. It doesn't just look haunted it feels haunted, from the creak of the wooden floors to the heavy air that hangs in every room.
The Myrtles in American Pop Culture and Tourism
In a country that loves ghost stories and haunted lore, The Myrtles Plantation has secured its place in American pop culture. It’s consistently ranked among the top haunted locations in the USA and attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually. But what makes The Myrtles especially unique is that it’s not just a haunted house it’s a functioning bed and breakfast. Yes, you can actually spend the night here.
Many brave souls curious tourists, ghost enthusiasts, and skeptics alike book rooms in hopes of encountering something otherworldly. Reviews often mention flickering lights, mysterious footsteps, and that eerie feeling of being watched. Even if you don’t see a ghost, the ambiance is enough to give you goosebumps.
The house itself is a beautiful example of Southern Antebellum architecture, filled with period furniture, creaky staircases, and original flooring. For lovers of history, this is as close as you can get to living in another century. For ghost lovers, it’s an all-access pass to the paranormal. The combination of aesthetics and atmosphere makes The Myrtles an irresistible destination for American travelers looking for a thrill and a story to bring home.
Planning Your Visit to The Myrtles Plantation
Thinking of visiting? You’re not alone. The Myrtles Plantation is a popular stop along Louisiana’s “haunted trail,” and it's especially popular during October and Halloween season. Located about 30 miles north of Baton Rouge, it’s an easy day trip for those exploring the Southern United States.
The plantation offers several types of tours: daily guided history tours, evening mystery tours, and private investigations for paranormal groups. Rooms can be booked for overnight stays, but they sell out fast especially around Halloween.
If you’re flying in from another state, Baton Rouge or New Orleans airports are your best options. From there, you can rent a car and take a scenic drive into the rural heart of Louisiana. Nearby, you’ll find charming diners, antique shops, and other historic homes that make for a perfect Southern getaway.
Whether you’re visiting for the thrill of a ghost hunt or simply to explore a beautiful and complex piece of American history, The Myrtles delivers. Just be sure to bring your camera and an open mind.
FAQs – The Myrtles Plantation (USA Readers)
Q1: Is The Myrtles Plantation really haunted?
Yes, according to countless visitors and paranormal experts. Many people report seeing apparitions, hearing voices, or experiencing unexplained phenomena.
Q2: Can you spend the night at The Myrtles?
Absolutely. The Myrtles functions as a bed and breakfast. Rooms can be booked online, though they sell out quickly especially during Halloween season.
Q3: Where is The Myrtles Plantation located?
In St. Francisville, Louisiana, about 30 miles north of Baton Rouge. It’s easily accessible by car and part of several haunted tour routes.
Q4: Is it safe to visit?
Yes. The plantation is well-maintained and tours are professionally guided. However, some guests do report feeling unsettled or scared due to paranormal activity.
Q5: What’s the best time of year to visit?
Fall is ideal, particularly October when the plantation hosts spooky seasonal events. Spring and early summer are also popular due to mild weather.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned ghost hunter, a curious skeptic, or a history buff with a love for the strange, The Myrtles Plantation is a destination that delivers on every level. It’s not just a haunted house it’s a full sensory experience. You’ll leave with more than a souvenir or a few pictures. You’ll leave with a story.
This iconic Southern home reminds us that history isn’t always silent and sometimes, it screams.
Ready to face America’s most haunted home?
Book your tour or overnight stay at The Myrtles Plantation and experience the legend for yourself. Who knows you might meet Chloe.
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