Introduction
The American South is renowned for its sprawling estates, rich history, and, of course, its ghosts.
Haunted plantations dot the landscape, each with its own stories of tragedy, mystery, and apparitions.
For those intrigued by the paranormal, these grand estates offer a glimpse into the past and an opportunity to experience the unexplainable.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the most famous haunted plantations in the American South, and delve into the technical jargon that ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts use to describe their encounters.
From Poltergeists to EVPs, we’ll uncover the mysteries behind these ghostly estates.
So, if you’re looking to find haunted plantations and delve into the supernatural, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s begin our journey into the world of the paranormal, and uncover the secrets of the haunted plantations of the American South.
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Haunted Plantations in Louisiana
Louisiana is known for its rich history and culture, but it is also famous for its haunting tales and ghostly sightings.
From the misty swamps to the grand plantation houses, there is an undeniable air of mystery and intrigue that surrounds the state. Here are some of the most haunted plantations in Louisiana that are sure to give you goosebumps.
Myrtles Plantation
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Located in St. Francisville, Louisiana, Myrtles Plantation is said to be one of the most haunted places in America.
The plantation house, which dates back to the late 18th century, is said to be home to at least 12 ghosts, including a murdered slave girl and a vengeful mistress.
One of the most famous ghosts is Chloe, a slave girl who had an affair with Judge Clark Woodruff, the owner of Myrtles Plantation.
She poisoned his daughters with a cake that contained oleander leaves, hoping to make them sick and then nurse them back to health.
However, the poison killed the children and Chloe was hanged by the other slaves for her crime. Her ghost is said to haunt the plantation and appear in photos.
Another is William Winter, a lawyer who was shot on the porch and died on the 17th step of the staircase.
Visitors have claimed to see their apparitions, hear their voices and footsteps, and even feel their touch when no one is around.
These paranormal stories have been featured in many books, documentaries, and TV shows.
However, some historians and skeptics have challenged the accuracy and authenticity of these tales, arguing that they are based on myths and rumors rather than facts and evidence.
Oak Alley Plantation
The Oak Alley Plantation is a historic plantation located in Vacherie, Louisiana, that dates back to 1837.
It is famous for its stunning oak trees that line the driveway to the main house.
It is also notorious for being one of the most haunted places in Louisiana, as many visitors and employees have reported paranormal activity there.
Some of the ghosts that are said to haunt the plantation are the former slaves who worked and suffered there, the original owner Jacques Roman III who died of tuberculosis, his wife Josephine who was depressed and addicted to laudanum, and a Confederate soldier who was shot on the property.
Some of the spooky phenomena that have been witnessed include crying sounds, apparitions, cold spots, footsteps, voices, and touches.
The plantation has been featured in several movies and TV shows, such as “Interview with a Vampire” and “Ghost Hunters“.
San Francisco Plantation
Located in Garyville, Louisiana, San Francisco Plantation is a stunning example of Creole architecture.
The plantation was built in the 1850s by a wealthy sugar planter named Edmond Bozonier Marmillion. The name San Francisco comes from his nickname, “Saint Frusquin”, which means “the spender” in French.
The plantation is known for its colorful exterior, elaborate interior, and beautiful gardens.
However, it also has a reputation for being haunted by several ghosts.
Some of the spirits that have been seen or heard by visitors include a woman in white who roams the second floor, a young girl who died of yellow fever in one of the bedrooms, and a Confederate soldier who was wounded on the property during the Civil War.
At these haunted plantations in Louisiana, ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts have reported encountering all sorts of strange phenomena, including apparitions, EVPs, and even spectral energy.
So, if you’re brave enough, why not visit these eerie locations and see for yourself?
Haunted Plantations in Mississippi and Alabama
The American South is known for its rich history and its fair share of ghost stories.
Mississippi and Alabama are no exception, with their own share of haunted plantations that have been the site of numerous ghostly encounters.
Here are some of the most notable haunted plantations in the area:
Gaineswood Plantation (Alabama)
Gaineswood Plantation is a historic antebellum mansion located in Demopolis, Alabama.
Built in the 1840s by General Nathan Bryan Whitfield, it was home to the Whitfield family for several generations.
It is one of America’s finest Greek Revival-style homes and a National Historic Landmark.
Today, it is a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning architecture and its reputation as one of the most haunted places in Alabama.
Visitors have reported seeing apparitions of former residents and hearing strange noises, including footsteps and whispers.
EVP recordings have also captured voices that cannot be explained.
One of the most famous ghosts is said to be Evelyn Carter, a sister of a housekeeper who died while visiting the plantation.
She was a talented pianist and loved to play music with the children. Her body was buried on the grounds and later sent to her home state, but her spirit remained at Gaineswood.
She is often heard playing the piano in the music room, especially when it rains.
Her story was featured in Kathryn Tucker Windham’s book “13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey“.
Rosalie Mansion (Mississippi)
Rosalie Mansion is a Greek Revival-style historic house museum located in Natchez, Mississippi.
It was built in 1823 by Peter Little, a wealthy cotton broker, on a site where the Natchez Indians massacred the French settlers at Fort Rosalie in 1729.
During the Civil War, it was used as the headquarters of the Union Army in Natchez.
The mansion is now owned and operated by the Daughters of the American Revolution, who offer guided tours of the rooms and grounds.
Some visitors claim to have encountered paranormal phenomena, such as apparitions of a girl in a blue dress and a Confederate soldier, cold spots, and moving shadows.
Rowan Oak (Mississippi)
Rowan Oak, also known as Haunted Rowan Oak, is a historic house located in Oxford, Mississippi.
It was the home of American author Nobel Prize-winning William Faulkner from 1930 until his death in 1962.
The house, which dates back to 1844, is now a museum that offers tours of the property and displays Faulkner’s manuscripts and personal belongings..
But haunted Rowan Oak is also known for its ghostly residents, who have been reported by visitors and staff alike.
Some claim to have seen the spirit of Faulkner himself, wandering around his office or sitting on his porch.
Others have heard footsteps, voices, doors slamming, and other eerie sounds.
Some have even felt cold spots or sudden drops in temperature.
According to Faulkner’s niece and ward, Dean Faulkner Wells, the author used to tell ghost stories to the children in his family at Rowan Oak.
She recounted three of them in her book Ghosts of Rowan Oak: William Faulkner’s Ghost Stories for Children.
They include:
- the tragic tale of Judith, the daughter of the original owner of the house;
- the chilling story of the Werewolf, a creature that lurked in the woods;
- and the macabre story of the Hound, a monstrous dog that haunted the grounds.
If you’re looking for a spooky adventure in Mississippi, the haunted Rowan Oak is a must-see destination for any ghost hunter.
Just be sure to bring your EMF meter and infrared and full-spectrum camera to capture any spectral energy or vortex activity.
Haunted Plantations in South Carolina and Georgia
South Carolina and Georgia are no strangers to haunted plantations, as there are many unexplained occurrences and eerie stories surrounding these historic locations.
Here are some of the most notable haunted plantations in the area:
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens – South Carolina
Located in Charleston, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is known for its picturesque gardens and rich history.
However, it’s also known for its ghostly encounters.
Visitors and staff have reported seeing apparitions, hearing EVPs, and feeling a presence around them.
The most famous ghost is the Lady in White, who is believed to be the ghost of a former owner’s daughter.
Boone Hall Plantation – South Carolina
Another plantation located in Charleston, Boone Hall Plantation has a dark past that has left it with a reputation for being haunted.
Visitors have reported seeing ghostly apparitions and hearing unexplained sounds, including footsteps and voices.
The most famous ghost is a woman in a blue dress, who is said to be the ghost of a former slave who worked on the plantation.
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Kehoe House – Georgia
The Kehoe House, located in Savannah, is a beautifully restored Victorian mansion that was once a funeral home.
Visitors have reported feeling a presence around them and seeing ghostly apparitions, including the ghost of a young girl who is said to have died in the house.
The house has also been the site of poltergeist activity, including objects moving on their own.
These haunted plantations in South Carolina and Georgia have a lot to offer to paranormal enthusiasts and ghost hunters.
So, if you’re looking to experience the spooky side of the American South, be sure to check out these eerie locations.
Haunted Plantations in Tennessee and Virginia
When it comes to haunted plantations, Tennessee and Virginia have their fair share of spooky history.
Here’s what you need to know about the most haunted plantations in these states:
Haunted Plantations in Tennessee
Tennessee is home to some of the most haunted plantations in the South, with tales of ghostly encounters that date back to the Civil War era.
Belle Meade Plantation
Known as the “Queen of Tennessee Plantations”, Belle Meade Plantation was a renowned breeding and training center for thoroughbred horses in the 19th century.
It was owned by the Harding-Jackson family, who amassed a fortune from the horse industry, and the cotton trade, and were among the largest slaveholders in the state.
The plantation was also the site of a Civil War battle in 1864, where Confederate and Union forces clashed.
According to some accounts, the plantation is haunted by the spirits of former slaves who worked and died on the land, as well as soldiers who perished in the battle.
Some visitors have reported hearing voices, footsteps, and gunshots, or seeing apparitions and orbs.
Belle Meade Plantation offers tours that explore the history and hauntings of the site.
One of them is called Journey to Jubilee, which tells the stories of the enslaved people who lived and worked at Belle Meade from 1807 to 1906.
Another one is called Ghosts of Belle Meade, which takes guests on a lantern-lit walk around the plantation at night.
Carter Mansion
The Carter Mansion is a historic house in Elizabethton, Tennessee, that dates back to the late 18th century.
It is one of the oldest and most architecturally sophisticated dwellings in the state, with Georgian features and elaborate woodwork.
The house was built by John Carter and his son Landon, prominent political and military leaders in the frontier region that later became part of Tennessee.
The house stands on a 640-acre tract of land that John Carter acquired in 1775 from the Watauga Purchase land office.
He was a colonel in the Revolutionary War and a senator in the North Carolina General Assembly. His son Landon was also a Revolutionary War officer and served in various roles for the State of North Carolina, the State of Franklin, the Southwest Territory, and the State of Tennessee.
The house was the site of the Battle of Franklin, where thousands of Confederate and Union soldiers fought and died on November 30, 1864.
The Carter family hid in the basement as bullets and cannonballs flew over their heads.
Landon’s son Tod was mortally wounded in the battle and died two days later in his bed.
Another son, Robert, accidentally fell from the staircase and died when he was a toddler.
The house is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of Tod Carter, his sister Annie, and other soldiers who perished in the battle.
Visitors have reported seeing apparitions, hearing footsteps and gunshots, feeling cold spots and tugs on their clothes, and smelling gunpowder and blood.
Some have also seen a statue of a soldier jumping up and down, and paintings of hunting scenes coming to life.
The house is considered one of the most haunted places in Tennessee.
Myrtle’s Plantation
Although technically located in Louisiana, Myrtle’s Plantation is a must-see for any ghost hunter visiting the South.
Known for its 12 documented ghost sightings, including the ghost of a former slave girl named Chloe, Myrtle’s Plantation is sure to send chills down your spine.
Haunted Plantations in Virginia
Virginia has a long and storied history, which means it’s no surprise that the state is home to a number of haunted plantations.
Shirley Plantation
Shirley Plantation is one of the oldest plantations in Virginia, with a history that dates back to 1613.
Visitors have reported seeing ghostly apparitions, including the ghost of a young girl who died on the property.
Berkeley Plantation
Berkeley Plantation was the site of the first Thanksgiving in America and is said to be haunted by the ghosts of former residents.
Visitors have reported seeing ghostly apparitions and hearing unexplained footsteps throughout the house.
Bacon’s Castle
Bacon’s Castle is the oldest brick home in Virginia and is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of its former owner, Arthur Allen.
Visitors have reported seeing the ghostly apparition of a woman in a white dress, believed to be Allen’s wife, walking the halls of the house.
If you’re a fan of ghost hunting or just love a good scare, make sure to add these haunted plantations to your travel itinerary. Who knows, you may even have your own ghostly encounter!
Haunted Plantations in North Carolina and Florida
Haunted plantations are not just limited to the southern states of the US, with some ghostly estates being found in North Carolina and Florida as well.
In this section, we will explore some of the haunted plantations in these states, including Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in Florida and Airlie Gardens and Poplar Grove Plantation in North Carolina.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens (Florida)
Located near Orlando, Florida, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is an iconic southern plantation with a rich and intriguing history.
Visitors have reported seeing ghostly apparitions, hearing unexplained noises, and feeling sudden drops in temperature while exploring the plantation.
Some have even claimed to see the spirit of the former plantation owner, John B. Smith, roaming the grounds.
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Airlie Gardens (North Carolina)
Airlie Gardens, located in Nags Head, North Carolina, is a stunning estate with a dark and mysterious past.
Visitors have reported seeing ghostly apparitions in the gardens, including a woman in white who is said to be the ghost of a former owner.
Others have reported feeling strong spiritual energy in certain areas of the estate, suggesting the presence of residual hauntings.
Poplar Grove Plantation (North Carolina)
Poplar Grove Plantation, near Myrtle Beach, is another haunted estate with a fascinating history.
Visitors have reported seeing shadowy figures, hearing unexplained noises, and feeling an eerie presence while exploring the property.
The plantation is said to be haunted by the spirit of a former slave, who was hanged for trying to escape.
Many ghost hunters have visited these haunted plantations in North Carolina and Florida and have used a variety of technical tools to capture evidence of the supernatural.
Some of the tools used include EMF meters, infrared and full-spectrum cameras, and EVP recorders, which can capture electronic voice phenomena.
So, if you’re feeling brave enough, why not visit these haunted plantations and see if you can capture some spooky footage of your own?
Conclusion
In this post, we have mostly explored the chilling world of haunted plantations in the American South.
We’ve delved into the history of some of the region’s most notorious estates and examined the ghostly activity that has made them famous.
From the shadowy figures at Myrtles Plantation in Louisiana to the residual hauntings at the Rosalie Mansion in Mississippi, the stories of these haunted plantations are enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine.
And while the paranormal activity at these locations may be enough to scare off some, others continue to be drawn to the mystery and intrigue that surrounds these haunted estates.
As we come to the end of our journey through these ghostly grounds, we can’t help but wonder what it is that makes these haunted plantations so popular.
Is it the history that draws us in?
The thrill of encountering something otherworldly?
Or perhaps the simple fascination with the unknown?
Whatever the reason may be, one thing is for certain: the haunted plantations of the American South will continue to capture our imaginations and hold our attention for years to come.