Myrtles Plantation: A Historical and Haunted Journey

Tucked away in the gentle hills of St. Francisville, Louisiana, the Myrtles Plantation offers more than just a glimpse into the past; it presents a unique blend of solid historical facts and time-honored ghost stories.

A Foundation Built on History

Initially constructed in 1796 by General David Bradford and known then as Laurel Grove, the plantation’s origins are rooted in a turbulent era. Bradford, a respected lawyer and deputy attorney general, built the home before fleeing Pennsylvania amid the turmoil of the Whiskey Rebellion. His family later joined him, and the estate became a backdrop for generations of Southern life, marked by beauty and hardship. After Bradford’s death in 1808, the estate passed into the hands of the Woodruff family, a transition during which the early 1820s brought tragedy when Sara Mathilda Woodruff and two of her children lost their lives to yellow fever. In 1834, Ruffin Gray Stirling acquired and expanded the property, renaming it “The Myrtles” in tribute to the native crepe myrtles that graced the grounds. Over the 19th century, despite the upheavals of the Civil War and various ownership changes, the plantation endured, ultimately being restored into a bed and breakfast that invites guests to explore its historical legacy and its reputed paranormal activity today.

Legends and the Lure of the Supernatural

Over time, the Myrtles Plantation has become a focal point for ghost stories that intrigue as much as they unsettle.

The Tale of Chloe

One enduring legend is that of Chloe, a young slave once said to be involved with Judge Clark Woodruff. According to the lore, she concealed her injury with a green turban after being punished for eavesdropping by having an ear cut off. The story goes that, seeking either revenge or favor, she baked a birthday cake laced with a toxic oleander extract, which allegedly led to the poisoning of Sara Woodruff and two children. In a dramatic twist, fellow slaves are said to have hanged her and discarded her body in the Mississippi River. However, historical records indicate that the deaths resulted from yellow fever, and no verifiable evidence exists of a slave named Chloe in the family archives. Despite these discrepancies, reports of a turbaned apparition persist, highlighting how legends can evolve over time.

The Ghost of William Winter

Another figure at the center of the plantation’s ghost lore is William Winter, a caretaker who died in 1871. Newspaper accounts confirm that Winter was shot on the mansion’s front porch. While some tales suggest that he staggered up the stairs before collapsing on the seventeenth step in his wife’s arms, such embellishments are not supported by contemporary documentation. Nonetheless, guests have often reported hearing footsteps or seeing a spectral figure near the grand entryway, adding to the plantation’s mystique.

Other Unexplained Phenomena

Beyond these two stories, visitors have occasionally noted the presence of ghostly children, mysterious voices, sudden movements of furniture, and the eerie sensation of unseen eyes watching. Such experiences, amplified by media features on shows like Unsolved Mysteries and Ghost Hunters, contribute to the ongoing fascination with this historic estate.

Experiencing the Plantation Today

Now operating as both a bed and breakfast and a tourist attraction, the Myrtles Plantation offers guided tours that carefully balance historical facts with its ghostly folklore. Whether exploring the main house or staying overnight in one of the historic rooms or cottages, visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a narrative where documented history meets local legend. Tour guides provide a balanced account, acknowledging the enduring ghost stories while presenting verified historical details, making the experience educational and, for some, a little spine-tingling.

A Timeless Intersection of Fact and Folklore

The story of the Myrtles Plantation is a testament to how history and legend can intertwine. Its walls have borne witness to centuries of human experience, from the challenges of antebellum life and disease outbreaks to the birth of tales stretching the boundaries between fact and folklore. The legends of Chloe and William Winter remind us that history is often layered, with each story offering a window into how communities remember and mythologize their past.

For history buffs, paranormal enthusiasts, or anyone in search of a unique getaway, a visit to the Myrtles Plantation offers a chance to step into a richly woven tapestry of American history, a place where every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered.

Sources:

• en.wikipedia.org

• themyrtles.com

• en.wikipedia.org