About Myrtles Plantation
Nestled beneath a canopy of centuries-old live oaks draped in Spanish moss, The Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville, Louisiana, stands as an iconic example of French Creole and Greek Revival architecture. Built in 1796, this historic home offers visitors a captivating blend of Southern charm, rich historical heritage, and mysterious ghost lore that has earned it a reputation as one of 'America's Most Haunted Homes'.
Visitors to The Myrtles can stroll along the 125-foot wrap-around veranda, admire intricate ironwork, and take guided historical tours detailing the lives of the families who inhabited the property over two centuries. Beyond its supernatural intrigue, the plantation operates as a charming bed and breakfast with an on-site restaurant, 1796, serving farm-to-table Southern cuisine.
History
The story of Myrtles Plantation began in 1796 when General David Bradford, a leader in the Pennsylvania Whiskey Rebellion, fled south to Spanish-controlled West Florida and constructed a modest home known as Laurel Grove. Over the decades, the estate expanded significantly, particularly under the ownership of Ruffin Gray Stirling in the 1830s, who transformed it into an ornate antebellum manor double its original size.
Throughout its long history, the plantation witnessed the tragedies of the Civil War, yellow fever epidemics, and personal hardships endured by successive owners. Over time, numerous tales of local folklore emerged, including the legend of Chloe, a famed ghost story associated with an old mirror in the foyer. Today, the estate serves as a carefully preserved window into Louisiana's complex past.