The Myrtles Plantation: Slavery, Death, and One of America’s Most Haunted Estates
The Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville, Louisiana is often described as one of the most haunted homes in the United States. Its reputation is built on a mix of documented history, local legend, and decades of reported paranormal activity. Unlike many haunted houses that rely primarily on rumor, the Myrtles sits on land shaped by slavery, illness, and repeated death, all of which play a central role in its haunting narrative.
To understand the reports tied to the Myrtles, it is necessary to separate what is historically documented from what developed later through storytelling and investigation.
The Plantation and Its Early History
The Myrtles Plantation was built in 1796 by General David Bradford, a prominent figure who fled Pennsylvania after the Whiskey Rebellion. Originally known as Laurel Grove, the estate eventually passed to Clark Woodruff and his wife, Sara Mathilda.
The plantation was worked by enslaved people, as was common for the region and period. This reality is essential to understanding the emotional and historical weight of the property. Much of the later folklore centers on the lives and suffering of those enslaved at the estate.
Documented Deaths on the Property
Contrary to some popular claims, historical records indicate that two people are confirmed to have died inside the house itself. Both were children of Clark and Sara Woodruff, who died of yellow fever in the mid-1800s. Yellow fever outbreaks were common in Louisiana at the time and devastated families across the region.
Several other deaths associated with the Myrtles occurred on the surrounding land or nearby, not within the house. Over time, these deaths were often combined, exaggerated, or relocated into the home itself as the haunting legend grew.
The Legend of Chloe
The most famous ghost story tied to the Myrtles is that of Chloe, an enslaved woman said to have been punished by having her ear cut off and forced to wear a green turban to hide it. According to legend, Chloe poisoned a cake intended to make members of the household ill, accidentally killing the two Woodruff children and their mother.
Historical records do not support this story. There is no evidence of Chloe’s existence, poisoning, or execution. Researchers believe the legend developed later, blending themes of slavery, guilt, and tragedy into a single symbolic figure.
Despite this, Chloe remains central to many reported encounters.
Reported Apparitions and Visual Phenomena
Visitors and staff have reported seeing apparitions throughout the house, often described as women in period clothing or children on staircases.
One of the most frequently cited pieces of evidence is a photograph taken in the 1990s showing what appears to be a young girl standing between two buildings. The image has been widely circulated and debated. Skeptics suggest it may show a living child captured at a distance, while believers argue it does not match known individuals present at the time.
Apparitions are most often reported in the children’s bedrooms and near the veranda.
Mirrors, Handprints, and Children’s Rooms
One of the most famous features of the Myrtles is a large mirror in the house, said to contain the handprints of Chloe and the murdered children. Guests and staff have claimed the prints reappear even after the mirror is cleaned.
Skeptics note that the mirror was sealed with a substance that can cause residue to resurface over time, especially in Louisiana’s humid climate. Even so, the phenomenon remains one of the most discussed aspects of the house.
Children’s rooms are frequently associated with reports of laughter, footsteps, and the sensation of being watched.
Voices, Sounds, and Physical Sensations
Many guests staying overnight report hearing voices, whispering, or footsteps in hallways when no one is present. Some describe doors opening or closing on their own and furniture shifting slightly.
Others report physical sensations such as sudden cold spots, pressure on the chest while sleeping, or the feeling of being touched or tugged.
These experiences are reported across different areas of the house, not limited to a single room.
Paranormal Investigations
The Myrtles Plantation has been investigated by numerous paranormal teams and featured on multiple television programs. Investigators often report electronic voice phenomena, temperature fluctuations, and unexplained audio recordings.
As with most haunted locations, none of these findings have been scientifically verified, but they remain consistent across different investigations and time periods.
Skeptical and Historical Reassessment
Historians and skeptics have pointed out that many of the Myrtles’ most dramatic stories do not align with documented records. They argue that the plantation’s reputation grew significantly in the late 20th century as ghost tourism increased.
Environmental factors such as creaking wood, shifting foundations, humidity, and lighting conditions can explain many reported phenomena. Expectation also plays a powerful role, especially in a location widely advertised as haunted.
Still, even critics acknowledge the house carries a heavy emotional presence due to its history.
Why the Myrtles Endures
The Myrtles Plantation remains compelling because it exists at the intersection of history and legend. Slavery, disease, and family tragedy are real and documented. The ghost stories grew from that foundation.
Whether the reported hauntings are paranormal or psychological, the house serves as a reminder of the human suffering that took place there.
A House That Holds Its Past
Today, the Myrtles Plantation operates as a museum and bed-and-breakfast. Guests are encouraged to learn both the history and the folklore, rather than choosing one over the other.
The house does not need embellishment to be unsettling. Its walls already carry the weight of what came before.