Famous ghost photo captures at Myrtles Plantation
*please note that I will be recommending a book along with my Amazon link to it in this blog post.
Nestled in St. Francisville, Louisiana, Myrtles Plantation is one of the most famous haunted locations in the United States, with a rich and chilling history that has captivated paranormal enthusiasts for decades. Built in 1796 by General David Bradford, the plantation is not only known for its stunning Southern architecture but also for the eerie spirits said to roam its halls.
But what exactly makes Myrtles Plantation so haunted, and why does it continue to draw those fascinated by the supernatural?
A History of Tragedy and Death
The plantation’s dark reputation stems from a series of tragic events and mysterious deaths that have unfolded over the centuries.
Legends claim that Myrtles Plantation was built on a Native American burial ground, which many believe is the root of its supernatural occurrences. However, much of the haunting lore is tied to the house's turbulent history, particularly during the time it was a working plantation.
One of the most famous stories involves a slave named Chloe, who worked as a servant for the family of Judge Clark Woodruff. According to legend, Chloe was caught eavesdropping on the family and, as punishment, had one of her ears cut off. ( is that Cloe in the black and white photo above?)
In retaliation, she reportedly poisoned a birthday cake intended for the family, hoping to make them ill so she could nurse them back to health and win their favor. However, the plan went horribly wrong, and the poison killed the Judge's wife, Sara, and two of their children. Chloe was later hanged by other slaves, and her spirit is said to still roam the plantation, often seen wearing a green turban to cover her missing ear.
Many guests and employees have reported sightings of Chloe, describing her as a ghostly figure wandering the grounds. Her apparition has even appeared in photographs taken by visitors. This tragic tale has cemented Myrtles Plantation’s reputation as a place haunted by restless spirits.
The Spirits of the Past
Chloe's is not the only ghost said to inhabit the plantation.
Over the years, more than 10 murders have allegedly taken place within Myrtles, although records suggest the actual number may be fewer. One prominent haunting involves the spirit of William Winter, who was shot on the front porch of the house in 1871.
According to legend, Winter managed to stagger inside, climbing up to the 17th step before collapsing and dying in his wife’s arms. Visitors claim to hear the sound of heavy footsteps on the staircase, often stopping abruptly at the 17th step, where Winter’s life ended.
The plantation is also home to the spirits of children. Some guests have reported hearing the playful laughter of children or even seeing small ghostly figures darting around the property. These child spirits are often linked to the tragic poisoning incident or other untimely deaths that occurred on the plantation.
Why Is Myrtles Plantation Haunted?
The energy of the past seems to linger within the walls of Myrtles Plantation, with its tragic stories woven into the fabric of the home.
The combination of sudden, violent deaths, personal trauma, and the deeply oppressive conditions of slavery likely contributed to the residual energy that is said to haunt the grounds. Many paranormal investigators believe that spirits remain tied to locations where significant emotional events occurred, and Myrtles Plantation is certainly steeped in sorrow and suffering.
Additionally, the plantation is rumored to have been built on an ancient Native American burial ground, which many believe has cursed the property with restless spirits. The rich history, tragic deaths, and the possible desecration of sacred land create the perfect storm for paranormal activity.
The Paranormal Evidence
Over the years, Myrtles Plantation has been featured on numerous paranormal investigation shows, and visitors frequently report unexplained phenomena. These experiences include doors opening and closing on their own, objects moving, mysterious handprints appearing on mirrors, and cold spots throughout the house. Some guests have even captured strange orbs and figures in their photographs, further fueling the belief that the plantation is haunted.
The plantation's management has embraced its haunted reputation, offering ghost tours that explore the eerie legends and allow visitors to experience the supernatural energy for themselves. Many who visit report feeling an otherworldly presence, even if they don’t experience anything outright frightening.
Myrtles Plantation remains a site where history and the supernatural collide.
Its haunted reputation, bolstered by tragic stories like that of Chloe and William Winter, has made it a must-visit for ghost hunters and history enthusiasts alike. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there’s no denying the eerie atmosphere and mysterious occurrences that have made Myrtles Plantation one of the most haunted homes in America.
For those brave enough to visit, the spirits of Myrtles Plantation seem more than willing to remind you that history is never truly in the past—and that some souls never fully leave.
I visited Myrtles Plantation in 2023 as part of a Mysterious Adventures Tour as one of two hosts who escorted a tour group to the USA through New Orleans and several famous Plantations.
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I love to read - maybe you do too!
If you would like to read more about Myrtles grab a copy of this book.
THE MYRTLES PLANTATION by Frances Kermeen (2001)
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