THE MYRTLES PLANTATION

It 's not surprising that this mansion is the most haunted in the region, as it has a violent past. Ten people were killed or murdered in the plantation mansion itself, or on the grounds near it. At last count, there are at least 12 restless ones residing here.

LOCATION:

One can find Myrtles Plantation 30 miles north of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, which is just on the outskirts of St. Francisville. Tours and mystery weekends are offered, and people can stay overnight. The current owners are carefully restoring this gorgeous mansion in such a way as not to interfere with visitors and over-nighters at this most popular bed & breakfast inn.

7747 U.S. Highway 61, P.O. Box 1100, St. Francisville, Louisiana 70775.

John & Teeta Moss, Proprietors

DESCRIPTION:

One would never guess that this mansion has such a violent past and so many unseen residents, by looking at the outward/inward appearance. The mansion sits peacefully on top of very old Indian graves and is in the midst of a grove of moss- draped oaks and pink-blossomed crepe myrtle trees. The outside of the mansion sports wide virandas adorned with the lacy style of wrought-iron, and plenty of porch rockers. The backyard has a small pond, with an island and a gazebo, complete with chairs.

Built in 1796, by a General Bradford, who was hiding because of the price put on his head, due to his leadership in the whisky rebellion, Myrtles Plantation is a prime example of the Southern Antebellum architecture, complete with top-notch plaster friezework and faux bois, which go nicely with the Gothic decor. There are 22 rooms, winding staircases, and the standard dining room, etc. of a southern mansion of its time. Every room has the use of 18th &19th century antiques, originally purchased by the Ruffin Gray Stirling Family, who owned Myrtles from 1834 -1888. Be sure to see the Baccarat crystal chandelier, if one plans a visit to the Myrtles Plantation.

MANIFESTATIONS:

1) The green turbanned black woman, who wanders around the mansion during the night, and has been known to wake visitors by lifting the mosquito netting around the bed, and looking intently at the bed's occupant, is known to be Chloe, who was the French/mulatto governess to the Woodruffe children, and one of many lovers of the adulterous Judge Woodruff (son-in-law of Bradford), who was owner of the Myrtles from 1817. The story goes that after Judge Woodruff stopped their affair, and cut off her ear after he had caught Chloe listening in on a business meeting, Chloe got her revenge by presenting a poison-laced cake as a peace offering on the occasion of the eldest daughter's birthday. Two of the Woodruff children and the Mrs. W died from eating it. Chloe herself was hung from a high tree by the outraged slaves of the plantation.

A former owner of Myrtles had a face to face encounter with Chloe, who awakened her and at first scared this owner, as Chloe looked intently at her, then seemed disappointed , as if she looking for someone else. Chloe was decked out in a flowing gown and turban. However, after living in the mansion for awhile, this former owner enjoyed having Chloe and the other ghosts around, and thought they were really quite friendly and civil, with traditional southern manners.

2) Two little, blonde girl specters have been seen peeking in the windows, and visited a startled writer by standing at the foot of his bed. Where these the Woodruff children who were poisoned? These two little blonde girls are also seen playing on the verandah.

3) Another unknown, unseen little rascal likes to bounce on the beds that were just freshly made. Fortunately, another apparition of a young woman, dressed as a maid, follows this mischief maker around and quickly smooths out the wrinkles caused by all the jumping. No harm done!

4) The Ghost of William Winter - William Winter was the lawyer-husband of Sarah, one of the Sterling's 9 children. Sarah & William lived in the mansion from 1860 - 1871. William was shot in the chest by an unknown man as he came out the door. He managed to stagger back into the house and up the stairs, before dying in Sarah's arms on the 17th step. His unseen presence is heard today as he relives the last moments of his life by thumping/staggering across the entrance way, and up the stairs to the 17th step.

5) Other Ghosts Seen: A confederate soldier has been seen and heard tromping across the front porch. Another male specter dressed in khaki, sternly warns visitors not to come in to visit. A voodoo priestess tries in vain to save a little girl with chants, and with something she holds in her hand. Also seen, is a ballet dancer in a black tutu. Plus, apparitions come from the slave graveyard to the house to report for daily chores.

6) A well-endowed, naked Indian girl has been seen a lot, lounging in the gazebo in the back yard. She might be one whose grave lies under the Mrytles Plantation.

Still Haunted?

Yes.

The owners and their guests of this bed and breakfast have plenty of company; the southern, hospitable kind.

1) A psychic by the name of Jane Roberts came to investigate Myrtles Palntation. When she walked into the parlor, she felt that she was in the middle of a crowded cocktail party, full of happy, pleasant spirits.

2) Some guests have caught ghostly images on pictures taken, using high shutter speed film.