The ancient Myrtles Plantation is nestled among centuries-old live oaks in St. Francisville, Louisiana. This magnificent mansion, erected in 1796 by General David Bradford, is recognized for its beauty and horrific history. The breathtaking 600-acre estate, with its opulent halls and exquisite décor, hides stories of pain, loss, and phantoms.
The Early Years
General David Bradford, a hero of the 1794 Whiskey Rebellion, begins the Myrtles Plantation tale. Bradford sought sanctuary in Spanish-colonized Louisiana after fleeing President George Washington’s pardon. In 1796, he built the mansion named “Laurel Grove.”
The Transition of Ownership
Following Bradford’s death in 1808, his widow Elizabeth married Clark Woodruff, a previous law student of Bradford’s. They ran the plantation together until Elizabeth died in 1830.
Their daughter, Mary Octavia, and her husband, Judge Sterling Woodruff, inherited the estate. Their ownership, however, was short-lived due to their sudden deaths from yellow fever.
A House of Many Masters
Ruffin Gray Stirling bought the estate in 1834 and completely renovated and expanded it. Stirling called the house “The Myrtles” after the crepe myrtles that bloomed nearby. He died in 1854, and the plantation was passed down to his wife, Mary Cobb. She oversaw the estate with the help of her son-in-law, William Drew Winter.
In 1871, a stranger shot Winter, marking another tragic chapter in the plantation’s history. Sarah, his wife, oversaw the farm until she died in 1878. The plantation then changed hands several times and even served as an antique store at one point.
The Modern-Day Plantation
The plantation saw a revival in the twentieth century. Marjorie Munson owned the estate in the 1950s, and during her tenure, the home got its haunted reputation. She reported a number of unusual happenings, and rumors about Chloe and the Woodruffs began to circulate.
Arlin Dease and Mr. Robert F. Ward later purchased the property in 1970. They completed extensive repair work and opened the mansion to the public. The house was purchased in 1992 by John and Teeta Moss, who refurbished it and turned it into a bed & breakfast location.
The Inhabitant Ghosts
Walking through the Myrtles Plantation, one is surrounded by the numerous lives that formerly inhabited these hallways. Some stories, without a doubt, continue to echo louder than others. The phantom beings claimed to haunt Myrtles have blurred the distinction between the past and the present for the residents.
Chloe – The Wandering Specter
Chloe is the most well-known ghostly occupant of the Myrtles Plantation. According to legend, she was an enslaved person held by Judge Clark Woodruff. Chloe was punished by having one of her ears severed after being caught eavesdropping on her master’s private discussions. She began wearing a green turban to conceal her disfigurement.
Chloe baked a cake with an extract from the deadly oleander plant in revenge, aiming to kill the Judge. However, Woodruff’s wife and two daughters ate the cake and died as a result.
Many visitors claim to have seen Chloe’s soul strolling the plantation grounds wearing her green turban. Some have also reported seeing two little girls running around the house, supposed to be the spirits of the Woodruff daughters.
William Winter – The Ghost on the Staircase
William Drew Winter is another famous ghost of the Myrtles Plantation. In 1871, he was shot by an unknown person. He staggered inside the house, mortally wounded, trying to climb the stairs. He collapsed on the seventeenth step and died in the arms of his wife.
Visitors commonly report Winter’s futile attempt to ascend the stairs to the farm—some claim to have seen his phantom, dressed in historical attire, recreating his torturous final voyage.
The Children – The Joyful Phantoms
In addition to the Woodruff daughters’ apparitions, guests and staff have reported seeing other ghostly youngsters on the property. They’ve laughed and giggled in the corridors and on the balcony. A little girl’s soul, thought to have died of yellow fever, has also been seen in the game area.
The Unknown Soldier – The Phantom from the Past
The ghost of a Confederate soldier has allegedly visited the Myrtles. This unnamed man is frequently seen walking the grounds, seemingly lost. Some guests have reported hearing his heavy boots stomping on the hardwood floor.
Paranormal Activities at Myrtles Plantation
Myrtles Plantation’s haunting reputation stems from more than the ghosts of former residents. Both paranormal investigators and tourists have experienced strange events.
The Haunting Reflections: The Mirror of the Past
The strange behavior associated with an ancient mirror is one of the most well-known paranormal events at Myrtles Plantation. Sara Woodruff and her two daughters, who Chloe poisoned, are reported to haunt the place. They were trapped in the mirror when they died, as it was not covered during the traditional mourning period.
Visitors and workers have reported seeing handprints, drip marks, and even faces in the mirror. On rare occasions, phantom figures have been seen in the reflection, appearing to be pleading for aid or fleeing.
Auditory Phenomena: Unseen Echoes
Many visitors and guests who have stayed at the property have reported strange sound occurrences. Hearing voices when no one else is around, weird noises, and the sound of footsteps echoing through an empty house are all examples of this.
The ghost of William Winter, in particular, is frequently associated with these noise occurrences. Even when no one is nearby, visitors swear to hear the sound of his anxious footsteps stomping up the stairs.
Spectral Sightings: The Ghostly Figures
From Chloe sightings to phantom children, the Myrtles Plantation is said to host various apparitions. These spectral beings are frequently dressed in period attire, presumably unaware of the presence of living guests. However, they have been known to engage with guests and even occasionally appear in photographs.
The ‘Chloe Postcard,’ which appears to portray a figure in a historical slave dress standing between two buildings, is the most renowned of these pictures. This image has come to represent the plantation’s haunted reputation.
Cold Spots: Icy Patches in the Warm Louisiana Air
Cold spots are prevalent in many haunted locales, including the Myrtles Plantation. Despite the generally mild Louisiana environment, visitors frequently report experiencing unexpected drops in temperature. These cold patches are usually linked to the presence of a spirit.
Testimonials from Myrtles Plantation: Personal Encounters with the Paranormal
Several guests have had encounters with Chloe’s ghost. A tourist claimed to have seen a woman in a period dress wearing a green turban while walking the plantation grounds. When she was approached, she vanished. Others have claimed waking up in the middle of the night feeling watched, only to see the apparition of a woman matching Chloe’s description at the foot of their bed.
There have been numerous reports of William Winter’s ghostly appearance. For example, one guest claimed to have heard phantom footsteps ascending the staircase in the middle of the night, only to stop suddenly after the seventeenth step. Another visitor reported seeing a man dressed in period garb attempting to climb the stairs but disappearing before reaching the summit.
Children’s ghosts are common in Myrtles Plantation. One couple who stayed at the bed and breakfast reported hearing youngsters playing and giggling in the hallway outside their room. However, they discovered no children, just a small vintage toy left in the center of the corridor.
Another visitor reported seeing a young girl dressed in historical attire in the game room. When she tried to approach the child, the ghost vanished, leaving the guest with a chill and an unexpected temperature dip.
When one woman was alone in the room, she saw the silhouettes of a woman and two children in the mirror. Another visitor claimed to have noticed handprints on the mirror even though it had not been touched.
One tourist claimed to have seen a man dressed in a Confederate costume going through the plantation grounds before vanishing into thin air. Others have reported hearing heavy boots going around the property, with no obvious source.
Where to Stay at Myrtles Plantation for a Ghostly Encounter
Many people believe that the entire Myrtles Plantation is haunted. However, specific rooms have a better reputation for ghostly encounters. Here are a few you might want to consider:
Fannie Williams’ Room
The Fannie Williams Room, named for one of Ruffin Stirling’s daughters, is said to be a center for ghostly activity. Strange noises, abrupt temperature drops, and mysterious figures reflected in the mirror have been observed by guests.
The Suite of General David Bradford
This room, named for the plantation’s original owner, is another location where guests have reported strange events. Visitors who stayed in this suite have reported hearing phantom footsteps, disembodied conversations, and a phantom figure appearing at the foot of the bed.
William Winters’ Room
This chamber is named after William Winter, who was shot and died in the house, and it is possible to meet his spirit here. Guests have reported hearing someone stagger up the stairs, similar to Winter’s fateful final hike.
The Suite of Judge Clarke Woodruff
This suite, named for the plantation’s second master, is thought to be the site of the deadly poisoning episode. Strange incidents such as peculiar noises, a sense of being watched, and even sightings of ghostly beings have been recorded by guests.
Chloe’s Cottage
This solitary structure on the site is said to be a hotspot for encounters with the plantation’s most famous ghost, Chloe. In addition, visitors have recorded unusual areas of cold, strange noises, and spectral sightings.
Conclusion
The Myrtles Plantation, steeped in centuries of history and cloaked in mystery, embodies the American South’s past – packed with beauty, grief, and whispers of the supernatural.
The plantation has continuously captured the interest of historians, paranormal enthusiasts, and casual travelers alike. The attraction stems from the luxurious colonial architecture and surrounding natural beauty and the spooky tales that haunt its premises.
Every room and corner of the estate echoes with stories from the past, whether it’s the haunting figure of Chloe, William Winter’s frightening footsteps, or the happy giggling of invisible children.
Visitors have reported numerous ghostly encounters, validating the belief that Myrtles Plantation is one of America’s most haunted locales. These encounters, which range from weird noises and unexpected cold spots to full-fledged apparitions, provide a glimpse into a realm beyond the ordinary.
The ghost stories associated with Myrtles Plantation serve as reminders of the plantation’s turbulent and often sad history. They highlight its darker periods, teaching lessons about justice, human dignity, and the long-term consequences of our actions.
Regardless of one’s beliefs regarding the paranormal, plantation is an important historical property. It provides a window into an ancient past, assisting us in understanding the origins of our present. In addition, it is a tribute to the power of storytelling, transforming it into an intriguing destination for everyone looking for an out-of-the-ordinary experience.
So, whether you’re looking for a close encounter with a ghost or want to absorb the history of the place, a trip to Myrtles Plantation is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Sources
https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4316&context=gradschool_dissertations
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