The Ghosts of the Myrtles Plantation: A Southern Mansion of Mystery and Mourning



Tucked beneath a canopy of ancient oak trees draped in Spanish moss, Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville, Louisiana, exudes the charm of the antebellum South. But behind its stately columns and lush gardens lies something far darker, a reputation as one of the most haunted homes in the United States.

With a history steeped in tragedy, murder, and mystery, Myrtles Plantation is said to be home to as many as a dozen restless spirits, most famously the ghost of a woman named Chloe. Paranormal investigators, tourists, and skeptics alike have all found themselves confronting unexplained phenomena that defy logic and linger long after the visit is over.

A House Built on Legend

Built in 1796 by General David Bradford, the plantation has been home to generations of families, all touched by death in some form. Over the years, it has seen disease outbreaks, duels, murder, and misfortune, with many deaths occurring within its walls or on its grounds. The home’s paranormal reputation is so strong that it has been featured on countless TV programs, including Unsolved Mysteries, Ghost Hunters, and Ghost Adventures. But unlike other allegedly haunted homes, the Myrtles has become a central figure in American ghost lore.

The Ghosts of the Myrtles

Chloe — The Most Famous Ghost

According to legend, Chloe was an enslaved woman owned by Clark and Sara Woodruff, who lived at the plantation in the 1800s. It's said that she was either forced into or coerced into a relationship with Mr. Woodruff. Fearful of being cast out of the house or punished, she began eavesdropping on his business meetings and was caught. As punishment, her ear was cut off, and she began wearing a green turban to hide the scar. Seeking revenge or a way to regain favor, she allegedly baked a cake laced with oleander, a poisonous plant. Tragically, Sara Woodruff and two of her children died from the poison.

Chloe was discovered, hanged by the other enslaved people, and her body thrown into the river. Now, her ghost is said to roam the plantation, often seen wearing a green turban. Sightings include:

• Apparitions in photographs, especially near the veranda or hallway.
• A woman in period clothing appearing at bedsides at night.
• Whispered apologies and rustling fabric in empty rooms.

One of the most famous paranormal photos ever taken showing a woman standing between two buildings is widely believed to be Chloe.

The Ghosts of the Woodruff Children

The spirits of Sara Woodruff’s children, who died young and suddenly, are believed to still inhabit the plantation. Visitors report:

• Children’s laughter and footsteps in the upstairs hallway.
• Handprints appearing on mirrors that no one touched.
• Sudden cold drafts and tugging at clothing with no one around.
• Guests have said that these childlike spirits seem playful but lonely, drawn to those who speak softly or show kindness.

The Murdered Man in the Mirror

One of the most chilling tales involves a mirror said to contain the trapped souls of Sara Woodruff and her children. Tradition held that mirrors should be covered when someone died to prevent their spirit from becoming trapped.

This mirror was reportedly left uncovered after their deaths. Guests and staff have reported:

• Faces appearing in the mirror, especially of a woman and children.
• Handprints that reappear even after the mirror is cleaned.
• A sensation of being watched while standing near it.
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Other Ghostly Residents

The Myrtles Plantation is said to be the site of at least 10 murders, though historical records confirm far fewer. Nevertheless, other spirits believed to inhabit the grounds include:

• A Union soldier seen limping through the gardens, possibly a victim of a Civil War skirmish.
• A young woman in a wedding dress, sobbing by a window after allegedly being jilted at the altar.
• A former owner who was shot on the front porch, whose footsteps are heard pacing near the scene of his death.

Paranormal Encounters

Visitors and staff alike have reported:

• Doors slamming shut, sometimes with such force that frames crack.
• Chandeliers swaying, even on windless days.
• Beds that appear slept in, though no one has been in the room.
• Phantom piano music drifting from the parlor.

Paranormal investigators have captured EVPs (electronic voice phenomena), mysterious shadows, and even thermal images of figures unseen by the naked eye.

The Myrtles Today: Haunted and Historic

Today, the Myrtles Plantation operates as a bed and breakfast, welcoming both curious travelers and ghost hunters. Its owners maintain the home’s integrity, offering guided tours that delve into both its architecture and its haunted past.

Many guests come in search of a good night’s sleep and leave with stories of footsteps in the night, cold spots, and ghostly whispers.

Final Thoughts

The Myrtles Plantation stands as a monument to Southern beauty, tragedy, and the supernatural. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there’s no denying that this historic house radiates an energy, a weight of memory that refuses to fade.

To walk through its halls is to walk through layers of history, where echoes of the past speak loudest when the world is still. And for those who dare to spend the night, the question remains, will you be the next to see Chloe at the foot of your bed?