Place: The Myrtles Plantation
Location: 7747 U.S. Highway 61, St. Francisville, Louisiana 70775
Phone: (225) 635-6277
Hours: Open seven days a week; guided tours and self-guided tours available through the downstairs six rooms of the main home. Evening Mystery tours are offered seven nights a week, with Private Mystery tours available Sunday through Thursday.
Admission: Tour prices vary; please refer to the official website for current rates.
Website: https://themyrtles.com/
History: The Myrtles Plantation was established in 1796 by General David Bradford, who named it “Laurel Grove.” Seeking refuge from the Whiskey Rebellion, Bradford lived there alone until receiving a pardon in 1799, after which his family joined him.
Upon Bradford’s death in 1808, his widow managed the plantation until 1817, when their daughter, Sara Mathilda, and her husband, Clark Woodruff, took over operations.
In 1834, the property was sold to Ruffin Gray Stirling, who undertook extensive renovations, nearly doubling the house’s size and renaming it “The Myrtles” after the crape myrtles growing nearby. The plantation survived the Civil War but faced financial difficulties, leading to multiple ownership changes over the years.
Hauntings: The Myrtles Plantation is often cited as one of America’s most haunted homes. Among the numerous legends is that of Chloe, a slave reportedly owned by the Woodruff family. According to the tale, after being caught eavesdropping, Chloe’s ear was severed as punishment. Seeking revenge or favor, she allegedly poisoned a cake, leading to the deaths of Sara Woodruff and two of her children.
Chloe was then supposedly hanged by fellow slaves. However, historical records do not substantiate this story; there is no evidence of a slave named Chloe, and Sara and her children are documented to have died of yellow fever.
Another reported spirit is that of William Winter, who was shot on the porch in 1871. Legend claims he staggered inside and died on the 17th step of the staircase, and visitors have reported hearing his dying footsteps.
Other accounts include sightings of a young Native American woman, believed to be connected to the property’s location atop an ancient Tunica Indian burial ground, and reports of a mirror that holds the spirits of Sara Woodruff and her children, with handprints mysteriously appearing on its surface.
Personal Experiences: Guests and staff have reported various unexplained phenomena, such as hearing footsteps, seeing apparitions in period clothing, and experiencing sudden cold spots. Some visitors have recounted feeling a presence or being touched by unseen forces during their stay.
Paranormal Activity Rating: High (Frequent activity)
For a visual exploration of The Myrtles Plantation, you may find this video informative: