The Myrtles Plantation is a historic home located in St. Francisville, Louisiana. Built in 1796, the plantation has a long and complex history, including a number of violent and tragic events that have contributed to its reputation as one of the most haunted places in America. In this article, we will explore the history of the Myrtles Plantation and the legends and stories that have surrounded it for centuries.

History of the Myrtles Plantation

The Myrtles Plantation was built in 1796 by General David Bradford, a wealthy lawyer and planter who was also a key figure in the Whiskey Rebellion. The plantation was originally named Laurel Grove and was primarily used as a cotton plantation, with dozens of enslaved people working the fields and maintaining the property.

After Bradford’s death in 1808, the plantation passed through a number of hands before being purchased by Ruffin Gray Stirling in 1834. Stirling, a wealthy Louisiana judge and planter, made a number of renovations to the property, including adding the distinctive front porch and converting the carriage house into a schoolhouse for his children.

In 1857, Stirling’s daughter, Sarah, married William Drew Winter, a lawyer and politician who became the plantation’s new owner. Winter was known for his lavish parties and his love of gambling, and it was during one of these parties in 1871 that he was shot and killed on the front porch of the plantation.

Winter’s death marked the beginning of a long and tragic history for the Myrtles Plantation. Winter’s wife, Sarah, fell into a deep depression after his death and died of consumption just a few years later. The plantation was then passed down to Winter’s children, who struggled to keep the property afloat.

In the years that followed, the Myrtles Plantation changed hands a number of times and was eventually abandoned for several years. It wasn’t until the 1950s that the property was restored and turned into a bed and breakfast.

Legends and Hauntings

The Myrtles Plantation is known for its many legends and stories of hauntings and paranormal activity. One of the most famous of these legends is the story of Chloe, a former slave who is said to haunt the plantation to this day.

According to the legend, Chloe was a slave who worked in the plantation house and was caught eavesdropping on a conversation between Sarah Stirling Winter and her children. In order to teach Chloe a lesson, Sarah had one of Chloe’s ears cut off. In revenge, Chloe poisoned a cake that was served to the Winter family, killing Sarah and two of her children.

Chloe was caught and hanged for her crime, and her ghost is said to have remained on the plantation ever since. Visitors to the Myrtles Plantation have reported seeing Chloe’s ghost, as well as the ghosts of other former slaves and plantation owners.

Other reported hauntings at the Myrtles Plantation include the ghost of William Drew Winter, who is said to haunt the front porch where he was killed, as well as the ghosts of Sarah Stirling Winter and her children. Visitors have reported seeing apparitions, hearing unexplained noises, and feeling a sense of unease or dread while on the property.

Conclusion

The Myrtles Plantation is a historic home with a long and complex history, including a number of tragic events that have contributed to its reputation as one of the most haunted places in America. While some may dismiss the legends and stories surrounding the plantation as mere folklore or superstition, others believe that there is something truly eerie and otherworldly about the property.

Whether you are a believer in the paranormal or simply interested in history and architecture, the Myrtles Plantation is afascinating destination that offers something for everyone. From its rich history and beautiful antebellum architecture to its reported ghostly activity, the plantation is a unique and unforgettable experience.