# The Ghostly Presence of the Myrtles Plantation
The Myrtles Plantation, nestled in St. Francisville, Louisiana, is frequently cited as one of America’s most haunted homes. Its history dates back to 1796 when General David Bradford, known as “Whiskey Dave” of the Whiskey Rebellion fame, built the house. Over the years, the plantation has become shrouded in tales of mystery, ghost sightings, and unexplained occurrences, attracting visitors and paranormal enthusiasts from all over the world.
## A Glimpse into History
The plantation’s history is marred with stories of tragedy and death, which many believe contribute to its paranormal activity. The Myrtles Plantation was built on a Native American burial ground—a detail that some say has cursed the property. During its history, the plantation was home to numerous owners, families, and slaves, and it is said that at least 10 murders have occurred on the premises, although documentation supports fewer.
## The Legend of Chloe
One of the most famous ghosts alleged to haunt the mansion is Chloe. The legend tells of a slave girl who, after being caught eavesdropping on a conversation, had her ear cut off as punishment. To curry favor and secure her place on the plantation, Chloe supposedly baked a cake laced with lethal oleander leaves, intending to sicken the master’s family and nurse them back to health. However, the plan backfired when the wife and two children died from the poison.
Chloe, fearing retribution from her fellow slaves, was purportedly hanged and thrown into the Mississippi River. It is said that her spirit still roams the Myrtles Plantation, with guests and staff reporting sightings of a woman wearing a green turban and peering intently into the distance.
## The Ghostly Encounters
### Apparitions and Photographs
Other supernatural encounters at the Myrtles Plantation include the apparition of a young girl, spectral figures appearing in photographs, and the infamous ‘ghost mirror’, which supposedly holds the spirits of the poisoned wife and children, their impressions caught in the glass as handprints and drip marks that cleaning can’t remove.
### Mysterious Footsteps and Voices
Visitors have also reported hearing mysterious footsteps echo through the hallways at night, the sounds of a piano playing by itself, and inexplicably cold spots in rooms. There are also tales of voices heard in empty spaces, laughter that comes from nowhere, and the cries of young children when none are present.
## Ghost Tours and Paranormal Investigations
The Myrtle Plantation’s reputation for hauntings has not only drawn the curious but also professional ghost hunters and paranormal investigators. Ghost tours are regularly conducted, with some visitors sharing their eerie experiences and capturing strange phenomena on camera. These tours delve into the property’s bloody history and share the many tales of supernatural occurrences, providing participants an immersive and spine-tingling adventure.
## Skepticism and Science
Despite the widespread belief in the Myrtles Plantation’s hauntings, skeptics argue that many of the stories are embellished or manufactured to boost tourism. Photographs can often be explained by logical phenomena such as lens flare or moisture, and personal accounts are frequently scrutinized by those advocating a scientific approach.
## The Enduring Legacy
Whether a hotbed for paranormal activity or a place where legend and lore have taken root in the popular imagination, the Myrtles Plantation continues to be an iconic landmark in the American South. Its ghostly presence, whether real or perceived, contributes to the abiding allure that draws visitors to its doors, hoping to catch a glimpse of the otherworldly or at the very least to step into a world where the past feels vividly and hauntingly alive.