Place: LaLaurie Mansion
Location: 1140 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
Phone: Not publicly listed
Hours: Private residence; not open to the public.
Admission: Not applicable.
Website: No official website; information available through various ghost tour operators.
History:
The LaLaurie Mansion, situated in New Orleans’ French Quarter, was constructed in 1832 by Madame Delphine LaLaurie and her third husband, Dr. Leonard Louis Nicolas LaLaurie. Madame LaLaurie was a prominent socialite known for hosting lavish events. However, beneath the façade of elegance, she concealed a horrific secret.
On April 10, 1834, a fire broke out at the mansion. During the rescue efforts, authorities discovered enslaved individuals in the attic who had been subjected to severe torture and mutilation. The revelations shocked the community, leading to a mob ransacking the property. Madame LaLaurie fled New Orleans and reportedly died in Paris in 1849.
Hauntings:
The mansion is reputed to be one of the most haunted locations in New Orleans. Reports include:
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Auditory Phenomena: Visitors have reported hearing moans, screams, and the clanking of chains emanating from within the house.
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Apparitions: Sightings of a woman believed to be Madame LaLaurie and other spectral figures have been noted.
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Physical Sensations: Some individuals have experienced sudden drops in temperature, feelings of being touched, or a sense of oppressive energy near the mansion.
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Olfactory Anomalies: Unexplained scents, such as perfume or decaying flesh, have been reported by passersby.
Personal Experiences:
A former employee shared on Reddit:
“I find it hard to believe that anyone living and working in NOLA would not know the story of the LaLaurie house, the fire and the torture that went on there. Yes, the place is definitely haunted…”
Paranormal Activity Rating: Very High (Constant paranormal activity)
While the LaLaurie Mansion remains a private residence and is not open for public tours, its dark history and reported hauntings continue to captivate and terrify those who pass by. Numerous ghost tours in New Orleans include the mansion as a highlight, sharing tales of its gruesome past and lingering spirits.