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Myrtles Plantation House –
HauntedHouses.com
Haunted Place: The Myrtles Plantation House
address:
7747 U.S. Highway 61
P.O. Box 1100
St. Francisville, Louisiana 70775
John and Teeta Moss, Proprietors
(212) 635-6277
Web Site
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.
DESCRIPTION:
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.
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 verandas 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 Woodruff 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 Myrtle's 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 Plantation. 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.
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