Explore Louisiana’s Haunted History

There’s no shortage of haunted spots and eerie spirits you can visit this autumn in Louisiana. It’s a playground for thrill-seekers and history fiends.

In New Orleans, you’ll find the tomb of Voodoo priestess Marie Laveau at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1.(link is external) Laveau is one of the many famous residents buried in—and said to haunt—New Orleans’ oldest cemetery. Built in 1789 and situated close behind the French Quarter, the cemetery spans only a block but supposedly houses 100,000 of the city’s dead, many of whom are thought to still walk the cemetery’s grounds. Note: Visitors to the cemetery must be accompanied by a licensed tour guide.

The Myrtles Plantation(link is external) in St. Francisville is said to be one of the most haunted houses in the country. It all began when Chloe, a slave punished for eavesdropping on the family, found vengeance by baking a poisoned birthday cake. Within hours, three of the main family members were dead. Chloe’s ghost is still reported to haunt the premises. Subsequent owners suffered death and murder tragedies in the years that followed. The ghosts of these former residents, as well as others passing through, have been documented in photos, featured in national TV shows and witnessed by residents and tourists alike.

In the capital city of Baton Rouge, pay a visit to Louisiana’s Old State Capitol(link is external), where Avoyelles’ Parish Legislator Pierre Couvillon suffered a heart attack after a spirited speech about corrupt politicians. Couvillon’s large footprints have been found on the Senate floor, and a rumpled bed in the exhibit hall could have been his resting spot for the night. While making rounds, a security guard felt a tap on his shoulder and heard invisible people moving around in the dark. Others have seen the motion detectors going off (meaning someone was in the museum) when no one was there and nothing was caught on security tapes.

Built in 1915, the Gothic Hanging Jail(link is external) in DeRidder is believed to be haunted by the two men hanged for the slaying of their taxi cab driver – hence the nickname “The Hanging Jail.” The story goes – Joe Genna and Molton Brasseaux hired taxi driver Joe Brevelle, killed him, and dumped his body in the old Pickering Mill pond. The body was found, and the men were convicted and hanged from the third-floor gallows. The jail features a spiral staircase circling around a noose that hangs ominously, and an underground tunnel that allowed prisoners to get to the courthouse next door. It’s even been featured on The Travel Channel because of its peculiar reputation. Visitors have flocked to the location, and some have sworn they’ve captured photos of ghostly beings.

Louisiana has plenty more places where you can get your spook on – from haunted hotels and historic homes, to courthouses and restaurants. Take a tour, snap some pictures, and maybe you’ll catch a paranormal experience of your own! Learn more about all of the unique attractions you’ll find in Only Louisiana at LouisianaTravel.com.

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