Myrtles Plantation Ghost

Myrtles Plantation in Louisiana is called America’s most haunted home. Built on a Native American burial ground, witness to murder and slavery’s horrors, the antebellum mansion harbors at least 12 ghosts—and one famous photograph.

The Plantation

Historic facts state that Myrtles Plantation was built in 1796 and is located in St. Francisville, Louisiana. It was constructed by David Bradford and represents a key example of the antebellum South. The plantation was primarily a slave plantation, relying on forced labor for its operation.

Burial Ground

The foundation of the plantation rests upon a Tunica burial site, recognized as Native American sacred ground. The land had been disturbed extensively during its use, and some speculate about the existence of an original curse associated with the location. There were also fundamental issues with the foundation of the building, contributing to its unsettling atmosphere.

The Legend of Chloe

The legend centers around an enslaved woman named Chloe. According to the story, she suffered a brutal punishment involving the amputation of her ear. Further, she is said to have poisoned her family before ultimately being killed by other slaves on the plantation. The narrative suggests she remains a haunting presence, forever tied to Myrtles Plantation.

Historical Doubt

The historical accuracy of the Chloe legend is subject to considerable doubt. Records pertaining to the plantation’s history are often unclear, leading many to believe the story might be largely fictional. Some theories propose that the family deaths were actually caused by disease, and multiple versions of the story exist, further blurring the lines between legend and documented history.

William Winter Murder

A verified death occurred in 1871 when William Winter was shot on the porch of the house. He staggered inside and tragically died on the stairs, and witnesses report that his spirit continues to climb those same stairs to this day.

The Stairway Ghost

Reports frequently describe heavy footsteps ascending the stairs, stopping abruptly at the 17th step, the location of Winter’s death. This phenomenon is considered a regular occurrence, fueling the plantation’s reputation as a location of intense paranormal activity.

The Photograph

A famous image, taken in 1992 during a tour group photograph, captures a figure in the background. This image depicts a girl wearing a turban, and many believe it to be Chloe, further solidifying her place in the plantation’s haunted lore.

Photo Analysis

The image remains a subject of considerable debate among paranormal investigators. Some insist it represents the enslaved girl, while others claim to have seen a different figure. Despite numerous attempts, the photograph has never been definitively debunked, and conclusive proof of its origin has never been established. It remains a compelling and intriguing image within the context of the plantation’s ghostly history.

The French Mirror

Within the plantation’s walls resides a haunted mirror that is believed to contain spirits. Drip marks appear intermittently on its surface, and there is no known explanation for these occurrences. Furthermore, the mirror is frequently associated with the presence of children’s handprints, and it is a common practice to cover the mirror during periods of intense paranormal activity.

The Ghosts

At least twelve ghosts have been documented within the confines of Myrtles Plantation. These include the spirit of William Winter, the legendary figure of Chloe, various children’s spirits, and several other unidentified entities.

The Children

Young spirits are frequently reported to play on the veranda, engaging in games and heard laughter. Witnesses have also described hearing the sound of dancing feet and experiencing moments of unbridled joy amidst the plantation’s darker aspects.

Guest Experiences

Visitors to Myrtles Plantation consistently report a range of unsettling experiences, including the detection of cold spots, the feeling of being touched by unseen hands, the sighting of ghostly figures, the sound of footsteps, and the pervasive sense of being watched.

Current Status

Today, Myrtles Plantation operates as a bed and breakfast, offering tours to visitors and even allowing overnight stays. The plantation welcomes paranormal investigations, recognizing itself as an active location where ghostly activity continues to occur.

TV Coverage

Myrtles Plantation has been featured on numerous television programs dedicated to paranormal investigation, including Unsolved Mysteries and Ghost Hunters. The consistent and compelling evidence gathered during these investigations has cemented its reputation as one of the most famous and haunted locations in America.

The Burden Family

Current owners of the property are the Burden family, who purchased Myrtles Plantation in 1994. Hester Eby spearheaded the restoration of the property, and the plantation’s ghostly tourism has become a significant part of its operation. The Burden family is dedicated to the preservation of the plantation’s history and embraces the presence of its resident spirits.

Room Experiences

Overnight reports frequently detail a variety of paranormal occurrences within the plantation’s rooms, including the movement of beds, the audible presence of voices, apparitions, and shifts in temperature. These events are commonly considered to be among the most active and unsettling experiences reported at Myrtles Plantation.

Significance

Myrtles Plantation represents an antebellum plantation with a tragic history, marked by documented murders, a Native American burial ground, and the capture of one of the most famous ghost photographs ever taken.

Legacy

Myrtles Plantation embodies Southern Gothic horror—the sins of slavery and murder seeping through every wall, photographed and experienced by thousands, serving as a potent reminder of a troubled past.

Sources

• Wikipedia search: “Myrtles Plantation Ghost”
• Library of Congress — American Folklife Center — American folklore archive