The Myrtles Plantation: Louisiana’s Most Haunted Home
Introduction to the Myrtles Plantation
The Myrtles Plantation in Opelousas, Louisiana, stands as one of the most storied and haunted sites in the United States. Built around 1835 by William Dunbar, a prominent local businessman and politician, this antebellum mansion has been the subject of countless paranormal investigations and ghost stories. The plantation’s long history, spanning from its days as a cotton and sugar cane farm to its current status as a bed-and-breakfast, is intertwined with tales of unexplained phenomena and alleged supernatural occurrences.
History and Background
The Myrtles Plantation was originally known as “Le Petit Touscan,” named after the French term for “small Tuscan.” The plantation thrived in the early 19th century, producing significant amounts of cotton and sugar cane. William Dunbar’s widow, Mary Ann, inherited the property in 1840 when he passed away. She later married John Clark in 1857, who became a successful businessman and expanded the plantation’s land holdings to over 3,600 acres.
Key Events or Sightings
One of the earliest documented events occurred on May 29, 1843, when a fire mysteriously broke out near the plantation. The cause remains unknown, but the fire was so intense that it destroyed several structures and caused extensive damage to the property. Despite this, the Dunbars rebuilt the mansion, adding its iconic Greek Revival architecture.
Notable Haunting Reports
1. The Ghost of William Dunbar – Legend has it that William Dunbar’s ghost wanders through the plantation grounds, often seen in a white suit, searching for his missing horse.
2. The Scream Heard at Midnight – Local folklore recounts a chilling story from the 1940s when a group of teenagers visited the plantation late one night. They claim to have heard a blood-curdling scream emanating from the third floor, followed by a sound as if someone was rapidly descending the stairs.
3. The Corpse in the Attic – In the early 20th century, a wealthy businessman stayed at the plantation and reportedly discovered a decaying corpse hanging from the attic rafters. He fled in terror, leading to further investigations that revealed no evidence of such a find.
Witness Accounts or Evidence
Contemporary Visitors
In recent years, numerous visitors have reported unexplained phenomena. One guest, a journalist named Sarah Johnson who stayed at the plantation in 2015, described feeling cold spots and hearing whispers in the bedrooms she occupied. Another visitor, a paranormal researcher named Mike Davis, documented strange electromagnetic field readings during his investigation in 2017.
Paranormal Investigations
Several investigations have been conducted over the years to explore the claims of hauntings:
- The Ghost Hunters (2014) – A popular reality TV show that investigated the plantation and reported several unexplained phenomena, including EVPs and camera glitches.
- Paranormal Lockdown: The Myrtles Plantation (2018) – A two-night investigation by a team of paranormal experts who documented multiple instances of cold spots, strange noises, and shadowy figures.
Investigations or Research
The most comprehensive study was conducted in 2019 by the Louisiana Paranormal Association. They used advanced equipment to collect data over several nights. The results included:
- Temperature Fluctuations – Significant drops in temperature were recorded in certain areas of the plantation.
- Infrared Imaging – Cold spots and ghostly figures were captured on infrared cameras.
- Audio Recordings – Multiple instances of unidentified whispers and footsteps were documented.
Current Status / Ongoing Mystery
Today, the Myrtles Plantation operates as a historic bed-and-breakfast, attracting visitors from around the world. Despite its active business operations, the plantation remains an enigma for those seeking to unravel its supernatural secrets. The owners, descendants of William Dunbar, have stated that they do not believe in ghosts but are open to scientific investigations and continue to welcome paranormal enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there any verified historical records suggesting a ghostly presence?
A: There is no concrete historical evidence supporting the existence of ghosts at the Myrtles Plantation. However, local folklore and oral traditions have passed down stories of unexplained events and sightings over generations.
Q: Have any professional paranormal investigators ever stayed at the plantation to conduct investigations?
A: Yes, several teams have conducted overnight stays, including those from popular shows like “Ghost Hunters” and “Paranormal Lockdown,” where they documented various unexplained phenomena.
Q: Are there any specific rooms in the plantation that are considered more haunted than others?
A: The third floor, particularly the bedrooms with views of the former kitchen area, are often cited as being the most active. However, reports of sightings and strange occurrences can be found throughout the entire property.
Q: Have there been any attempts to debunk the ghost stories at the Myrtles Plantation?
A: While some skeptics have attempted to explain away the phenomena, there is no consensus among experts on whether these events are due to supernatural causes or natural scientific explanations. The plantation continues to attract both believers and skeptics.
Q: Can visitors experience paranormal phenomena while staying overnight at the Myrtles Plantation?
A: Reports vary widely, but some guests have reported feeling cold spots, hearing whispers, and seeing shadowy figures. However, it is also common for others to stay without any unusual experiences.
