The Myrtles Plantation
Myrtles Plantation Photo Credit: Stevesheriw http://www.flickr.com/photos/8177037@N06/3363046211/sizes/l/
When one thinks of haunted houses, the familiar image of a spooky Gothic Victorian mansion, complete with flashing lightening or a full moon comes to mind. All images aside, in real life, there are real haunted houses all over the world. One such house that seems to stand out and has been well documented as "One of the most Haunted Homes," is the Myrtles Plantation. The antebellum mansion is located in St. Francisville, Louisiana.
The plantation is nestled among moss draped live oaks, pink crepe myrtle trees, oleander bushes, a pond, and other lush vegetation that surrounds the estate. And everywhere you turn, there are stone eyes staring back at you. The many statues that dominate the grounds add a creepy, yet, classic touch to the plantation, which is over 200 years old. One feels as though they were stepping though a time warp and into another world.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8177037@N06/3363988862/ Photo Credits: Stevesheriw http://www.flickr.com/photos/8177037@N06/3363979804/
Left: Photo Credit: Stevesheriw http://www.flickr.com/photos/8177037@N06/3363072523/
Right: Photo Credit: byAbby Leigh http://www.flickr.com/photos/oooabby/2577246062/
To look upon the house, one would never guess of its dark past. The wide verandas with lacey style wrought iron finishings boast of elegance and southern splendor that is all part of Myrtles Plantations' charm. While walking up to the porch, several rocking chairs greet guests to sit upon them, allowing the illusion of tranquility.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8177037@N06/3363870114/ Photo Credits: Stevesheriw Statue Front Entrance and Main Veranda http://www.flickr.com/photos/8177037@N06/3363089549/
But don't turn away too quickly or you might miss the sound of gentle creaking on the floors just under the large rockers. And if you look back in time, you might catch the swaying of one or more chairs, that suddenly cease movement, all without the assistance of human participation. Many believe ghosts of the past occupy the rockers and roam the halls and grounds of the estate.
Some historians believe that at least 10 people may have died violently here, and at least 12 ghosts haunt the plantation. If one considers the history of Myrtles, then one can glimpse through the windows of time and catch the shadowy images of the past that co-exist among the living there. While most guests to the plantation are inclined to agree that a run-in with a spiritual entity is quite frightening, plantation historians believe that the ghosts of Myrtles Plantation are there to protect rather than harm.
Photo Credits: Angie Gallaway
While tales of the south are steeped with a rich history of romance, murder, slavery, lynching, and clandestine romances behind the laced curtains of southern mansions, it seems logical that impressions of this past still resonate in the hot humid air that settles upon the swampy earth of Louisiana, and this grand old mansion.
Photo Credits: Angie Gallaway
A BRIEF HISTORICAL SYNOPSIS
The Myrtles Plantation was built in 1796 by General David Bradford, better known as "Whiskey Dave." History tells us that the Spanish overtook the land from the Tunica Indians, who had once used it as a burial ground. Bradford was unaware of this grisly history.
A sketch of David Bradford 1700's
As most ghost enthusiast would agree, sacred burial grounds are said to pose a threat to those that tread upon the resting place of their dead, and are commonly believed to harbor negative supernatural energies.
While Bradford lived there it was called Laurel Grove. He lived there alone until he was pardoned for his role in the whiskey rebellion that took place in 1799. Soon after, he moved his wife Elizabeth and their five children into the home. Bradford was said to have seen the ghost of a naked Indian girl wandering on the grounds as if lost. That would mean that Bradford was the first person to witness a ghost at Myrtles.
In 1817, Bradford's daughter, 14 year old Sara Matilda, married a law school student of General Bradford's, Judge Clark Woodruff, who subsequently took over the plantation after Bradford's death in 1808. They managed the plantation for Bradford's wife Elizabeth.
Note: In one version, history tells us that they had two daughters: Mary Octavia, Cornelia Gale, and a son named James. Another version of history says the Woodruff's had three daughters: Mary Octavia, Jane, and Cornelia Gale.
The Woodruff's, like most plantation owners, had slaves. One slave that Bradford took an interest in was a slave by the name of Chloe. She took care of the family's duties and also became the children's full time nanny. As with most haunted houses, legends are born, and the Myrtles Plantation is no exception. After the judge took over the house, history is unclear as to what actually took place on the plantation. There are many tales surrounding the old stead. Legend tells of a secret the judge kept from his wife. He made Chloe his mistress, much against her will. As a domestic servant, Chloe was in the position to learn of business dealings and personal information that could affect other slaves. She would often peek through keyholes and eavesdrop by General Bradford's door, learning of his plans behind closed doors.
One tale tells of the judge growing tired of his mistress and no longer having use for her. Woodruff found another slave and made her his new mistress. Chloe was said to have gone into a panic and began spying more frequently to find out what Bradford's plans were for her. It was during one of these moments that Chloe was caught. One version of the story says Bradford himself opened the door and caught Chloe listening in and punished her severely. He had her ear cut off. The slave began wearing a green scarf to conceal the ugly disfigurement. The general put her to work in the kitchen after that.
Still another version has Chloe and the judge being caught by his wife during one of their trysts. No one can be quite sure which story is true.
The story goes on to tell us that Chloe was so upset by the what happened to her, that she devised a plan during a birthday party for one of the children. Nobody knows for sure which version of this story is true, but in one version, Chloe seeks revenge against Woodruff and his family and goes outside to collect some oleander leaves. She boiled, or crushed the poisonous leaves into the batter, then baked and served up the cake to the unsuspecting victims of this deadly plan.
In the next version we have Chloe trying to redeem herself by devising a plan to bake the poisonous cake in hopes of making the family just sick enough so that she could nurse them back to health. She felt this would put her back in good graces with the family, and subsequently, keep her place in the household. Judge Woodruff was away on business that day and the youngest child, Octavia was already upstairs asleep, so they were not there to consume the cake.
Sarah and two of her daughters, Jane and Mary ate the cake and were later said to have died. Whatever version of this story holds weight, Chloe's plan had backfired when she realized that the poison was much stronger than she anticipated. Chloe was supposedly beaten and hanged, her body weighted down with rocks and thrown into the river by a mixed mob of whites and slaves as punishment. Soon after, the ghosts of all the murder victims were believed to haunt the plantation.
Here is the alternate version of history concerning Sarah and her children's deaths:
In 1823, Sarah died of yellow fever, then James and Cornelia followed soon after of that same year. Clark Woodruff and his daughter Octavia moved out and left a caretaker in charge.
1834, the plantation was sold, along with its slaves to Ruffin Gray Stirling and his wife Mary Catherine Cobb. They remodeled the house. When it was completed, the new house was twice the size as the original and the name was changed to Myrtles. The Stirlings had nine children, five of which died very young. Then Stirling passed away in 1854, leaving his wife in charge of the plantation.
1865, William Drew Winter was hired by Mary Cobb, to help in manage the plantation along with his wife Sarah, who was Mary's daughter. They had six children. One child died at age three from typhoid. They sold the house in 1868 but bought it again in 1870. In 1871, a stranger on horseback rode up one night and called William outside. The stranger shot William in the chest. He stumbled into the house and tried to climb the stairs to get to his wife, he collapsed on the seventeenth step and died in her arms. Another version of history simply states that he died on the porch. What version is truth? It does not matter, William's life was cut short unexpectedly and ruthlessly.
Sarah remained there with her mother until she died in 1878. Mary died soon after in 1880. Her son Stephen then sold the plantation in 1886. It continued changing hands until until the 1950's. Marjorie Munson purchased it in the 1950's and began experiencing strange phenomenon in the house.
In the 1970's, the house was restored by new owners Arlin Dease and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ward. Arlin Dease has spoken of one encounter he had while living at Myrtles: One afternoon, in 1970, while mowing the lawn, Arlin happened to look up and see the ghostly vision of an elderly man. The image quickly vanished. Later, it he would learn of a past caretaker who had died on the estate while being robbed.
Myrtles was sold again to James and Frances Myers. The Myers' also believed the house was haunted and so began the history of hauntings. The Myrtles was featured in books and magazines about haunted houses. Francis Kermeen wrote a book about the haunted Myrtles Plantation. The plantation has also been in countless magazines and television shows.
Other Legends
The Mirror
Photo Credit: Carnwrite http://www.flickr.com/photos/carnwrite/457312868/
A large ornate mirror trimmed in gold hangs across the stairway leading up to the second story of the home. In this mirror, many ghost enthusiasts claim to have captured ghostly images of the former tenants. Some widely circulated photos show what is believed to be the ghosts of the murdered Sarah Woodruff and her two murdered children. The mirror is believe to be a holding place for the spirits of the deceased. As a common practice during the time of the murders of Sarah and her children, all mirrors were covered so that spirits would not become trapped within them.
For unknown reasons, this mirror was not covered and thus trapped the spirits of the mother and her two daughter's in it. There are those who swear to find the hand prints of the spirits on the mirrors surface, although others would claim it was nothing more than hired help leaving their hand prints on the mirror, but others are hard pressed to disagree.
Another story is told of an elderly caretaker who was murdered on the estate while being robbed. His spirit is said to roam the grounds of the plantation. Is he still guarding the plantation?
Another legend tells of three Union soldiers that broke in to the house to loot the place and were shot to death. Their bloodstains remained on the floor no matter how hard they tried to wipe them away. Years later, while the house became an inn, a maid mopping the floors was unable to push her mop over the spot where the blood once stained the area. The strange phenomenon lasted for about a month and then stopped.
Ghost Stories
While some guest have stayed the night at the plantation and had no experience with ghosts, others claim to have had unearthly encounters. Some guest have heard the restless ghost of William Winter. His spirit is said to be heard along the staircase. Sometimes the unmistakable sounds of walking, stumbling, or falling have been heard by numerous guests. It is said that his spirit collapses on the seventeenth step where he died.
Photo by Angie Gallaway
Another story told by caretakers and guests alike is one of a young girl's spirit that is said to haunt the house. She practiced voodoo. One day she fell ill. The voodoo priest was unable to save her and she died. Guests swear that they have been awakened by strange sounds, only to look up from their beds and witness the spectral vision of the young girl as she is said to be practicing her craft on the unbeknownst sleeping, where she died.
Still, another murdered child's spirit is said to be trapped in the mirror also, this blond haired little girl was supposedly shot and while skipping along the staircase and humming a song. Guests have heard the eerie sounds of child humming a song and crying late at night. When they go to investigate, there is, of course, no child, only an empty staircase.
In Conclusion
No matter what folklore and legends lead us to believe, the fact that there were deaths that happened at the Myrtles Plantation, whether by acts of evil, or natural causes, only leaves the door of opportunity open where the paranormal is concerned. Where unfortunate events take place, or where earthly materialism meant something to the dying or deceased, it is believed that for those who have passed on, their spirits remain.
Maybe because they are drawn to the familiar place they once called home and refuse to move on? Maybe they mean to protect those who protect their home? Or possibly, they haunt the plantation because they are "stuck" in time and unable to move on, thus allowing those fortunate enough, a chance encounter with the ethereal world.
Stories and photos of the Myrtles Plantation continue to circulate from the constant barrage of guests that descend upon the mansion yearly, in hopes of experiencing the unusual. Whether one believes in the world of ghosts or not, for a small price of $175.00 to $250.00, you can travel to "one of the most haunted places" in the U.S. and experience the mystery, chilling beauty, and the southern charm that is the Myrtles Plantation.
Copyright © Sylvia Zimmer 2008
Related Video
I would like to thank Angie Gallaway for her personal photo contributions.
All photos by Angie are protected copyrights of the photographer. I would
also like to thank Stevesheriw, and Abby Leigh for their copyrighted photo
contributions.
NOTE: All graphics and photos on this page have been used by permission, fair use, or are in the
public domain. Please do not copy images and link back to Paranormaland as a source. Thanks.
Sources:
Unsolved Mysteries
Haunted History
Various
by Angie Gallaway
HOME