Louisiana‘s paranormal history is deeply intertwined with its rich and often tragic past. New Orleans is believed to be arguably the most haunted city in the United States. Ghost stories, traditions of voodoo, and legends of vampires have all shaped its history and continue to captivate a vast number of locals and visitors today. These stories often stem from a rich past that has seen numerous tragedies and dramatic events, such as slavery, murder, and other local lore. In the French Quarter, the line between the living and the dead often feels surprisingly thin. St. Francisville also has quite a story to tell, thanks to one legendary plantation.
Myrtles Plantation was originally known as Laurel Grove and built in 1796 by General David Bradford as a personal home. Renowned for its antebellum architecture and reports of paranormal activity, the domicile was later expanded and renamed to its current moniker by Ruffin Gray Stirling. Its long-storied history is marked by tragedy, including murders, deaths from yellow fever, and the alleged poisoning of the Woodruff family by a slave named Chloe. These events, combined with the plantation’s setting on an old Indian burial ground, have contributed to its reputation as one of America’s most haunted locations.
Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1 was established in 1789 as the oldest and possibly most famous cemetery in the region. Located just blocks from the iconic French Quarter, it’s known for its above-ground tombs and historical significance. Anyone familiar with the geography of this region knows about its unique environmental conditions, so burials must be elevated to prevent seepage or flooding. The graveyard’s most infamous inhabitant is Marie Laveau, who’s often associated with voodoo.
Old Ursuline Convent Museum was built in the years 1745-1753 by French Colonial engineers by orders of the crown to essentially replace a prior convent. This structure is the oldest building in both the Mississippi Valley and New Orleans. It was established by Ursuline nuns, who arrived in New Orleans in 1727 to be used as a school; orphanage; and hospital, particularly for wounded soldiers during the War of 1812 and the Civil War. Now housing a museum that’s allegedly haunted, it offers an authentic glimpse into the history of the Ursulines and the early days of New Orleans.
Commander’s Palace is a restaurant located in the Garden District of New Orleans. This upscale eatery boasts a rich history that dates as far back as 1893, when it was established by Emile Commander as a saloon and restaurant. The Brennan family, particularly the late Ella Brennan, transformed it into a true culinary institution, known for nurturing talented chefs and pioneering a new style of New Orleans cuisine, in addition to its ghosts.
LaLaurie Mansion is well-known as one of the most haunted places in the entire French Quarter district. Originally owned by Madame Delphine LaLaurie, this cursed location has a dark and disturbing history. A private residence today, it’s believed that the former owner still haunts the property.
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop is located in the French Quarter at the end of Bourbon Street. This rustic tavern was originally built during the years 1772-1791 as a French Colonial townhouse. It even claims to be one of the oldest buildings in the city, in addition to being the oldest structure housing a bar in all of America. While its name clearly suggests a blacksmith shop, the building is more widely known as the former “home-base” of the Lafitte brothers, Jean and Pierre, who were privateers and smugglers as the headquarters for their clandestine operations. It’s widely believed that this nefarious duo may still be around today to entice willing participants to search for their lost fortune that is thought to be hidden inside.
