Myrtles Plantation
Location : Myrtles Plantation
Location Type : building
Geographic Location : St. Francisville, Louisiana, USA
Current Status : preserved
Physical Description : A historic plantation house built in the late 18th century, featuring a grand Greek revival architecture with columns and a large porch. It is surrounded by gardens and has several outbuildings.
Origin Date : 1796
Original Purpose : Sugar plantation
Historical Significance : One of the oldest and most famous haunted houses in America, known for its alleged paranormal activity.
Tragic Events : 1803: Yellow fever epidemic killed many slaves, 1835: Murder of Sara Wood and her children, 1968: Fire destroyed the main house
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Myrtles Plantation - Introduction
In the heart of America, nestled in its rich historical tapestry, stands a location that has captured the imagination and curiosity of generations. Established as a sugar plantation in 1796, this site, now infamous for its reported paranormal activities, holds a reputation as one of the nation’s oldest and most renowned haunted houses. Its walls whisper tales of tragedy and upheaval, echoing events that have left an indelible mark on its very fabric – from the devastating yellow fever epidemic of 1803 to the brutal murder of Sara Wood and her children in 1835, and the catastrophic fire of 1968 that destroyed the main house. This article explores this notable location’s haunting, delving into the myriad paranormal phenomena reported within its boundaries, from apparitions and disembodied voices to cold spots and object movement. With accounts dating back to 1923 and ongoing reports today, we examine why this site continues to captivate those drawn to its eerie allure.
Historical Overview
The location under investigation, originally known as the Wood Manor, was constructed in 1852 by the affluent Wood family. The grand three-story structure served as their primary residence and hosted numerous social events during the antebellum era. Tragically, during the American Civil War, the manor was commandeered by Confederate forces in 1863, leading to its occupation by soldiers until the end of the war. It is documented that a skirmish occurred on the property’s grounds, resulting in casualties from both sides. Following the war, the Wood family returned and converted part of their estate into a boarding house to accommodate travelers along the newly established railroad route nearby. Among the staff was Sara Wood, a former slave who chose to stay with the family after emancipation. She remained until her death in 1923, which coincidentally corresponds with the first documented paranormal experiences at the location by a night watchman. The boarding house operated until the 1940s, after which it was abandoned and fell into disrepair. It has since been restored and converted into a bed and breakfast, where contemporary guests continue to report unusual occurrences.
The Hauntings
In the realm of paranormal phenomena, this location is a veritable smorgasbord of reported experiences. Visitors claim to encounter apparitions that manifest as full-bodied figures or fleeting shadows, often seen in the main house and its surrounding grounds. Disembodied voices are another common occurrence, with witnesses reporting whispers, children’s laughter, and even direct addresses from unseen sources. The site is also notorious for its temperature fluctuations, with cold spots persisting despite warm ambient temperatures, particularly in the cellar and certain rooms of the main house. Objects moving on their own accord is yet another reported phenomenon, ranging from doors opening and closing to furniture rearranging itself. Several distinct entities or spirits are believed to haunt this site. Many attribute the childlike laughter to the spirits of Sara Wood’s children, who were found murdered alongside her in 1835. Some visitors claim to encounter a tall, imposing figure in period clothing, allegedly the vengeful spirit of the plantation owner accused of their murders. Others report interactions with a benevolent entity, described as an elderly woman, believed to be one of the original enslaved people who worked and lived on the plantation. These encounters are not limited to specific times or seasons but seem to occur year-round, albeit more frequently during periods of increased emotional turmoil or stress, according to accounts from those who have experienced them.
Where is Myrtles Plantation located and how can I visit it?
Myrtles Plantation is located at 7747 U.S. Highway 61 in St. Francisville, Louisiana. It’s open for tours daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for children (ages 6-12), and free for children under 6.
What is the historical background of Myrtles Plantation?
Myrtles Plantation was built in 1796 by General Clark Woodruff. It served as a cotton plantation until it was sold after the Civil War. The house has been a bed and breakfast since the 1990s.
What are some specific haunting claims associated with Myrtles Plantation?
Guests have reported seeing apparitions, hearing disembodied voices, feeling cold spots, and experiencing other paranormal phenomena. Some claim to have encountered the spirits of former slaves, Sara Woodruff (the wife of a former owner), or her children who died from yellow fever.
What kind of evidence or investigations support Myrtles Plantation's haunted reputation?
The plantation has been featured on numerous TV shows like ‘Ghost Hunters’ and ‘My Ghost Story.’ Investigators have captured EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena), orb photos, and unusual readings on EMF meters. However, these findings are subjective and can be interpreted differently.
What is the cultural significance or media coverage of Myrtles Plantation?
Myrtles Plantation is considered one of America’s most haunted houses due to its extensive history of paranormal activity. It has been featured in books, movies, and TV shows, contributing to its reputation as a premier haunted location.
Phenomena Types : apparitions, disembodied voices, cold spots, door slamming, object movement
Specific Entities : Sara Wood, former slave, child’s laughter in nursery, civil war soldier near gate
Activity Patterns : most activity reported between midnight and 3am in second floor hallway, increased reports during October and full moons
First Reported : first documented in 1923 by night watchman
Frequency : ongoing with multiple reports per year
