One of America’s Most Haunted: The Myrtles Plantation

Posted on 06/23/2023 by mapoll

 

Greetings, fellow paranormal enthusiasts! In this edition of the newsletter, we will delve into a few chilling tales surrounding The Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville, Louisiana.

? A History Enshrouded in Mystery ?

Situated in the picturesque town of St. Francisville, The Myrtles Plantation is steeped in history dating back to the late 18th century. Built in 1796 by General David Bradford, this antebellum estate has witnessed generations of joy, sorrow, and even tragedy. From its grand architecture to the sprawling grounds, The Myrtles exudes an air of mystery that has attracted visitors from far and wide.

Legend has it that the plantation is built atop a Native American burial ground, amplifying its supernatural energy. The plantation changed hands several times, with each owner leaving their mark on the property. However, it was during the tenure of the Woodruff family that the plantation gained its reputation as a paranormal hotspot.

?️ Witness Accounts of the Unseen ?️

1. Chloe's Ghostly Presence:

Numerous visitors to The Myrtles have reported encounters with the ghost of Chloe, a former slave who allegedly poisoned members of the Woodruff family. One visitor, Sarah, claimed that while taking photographs in front of the house, she captured an apparition resembling a young girl with sad eyes and tattered clothing. Sarah could feel a cold breeze and a strong sense of unease as she stood near the spot where Chloe was said to have been hanged.

2. The Restless Children:

A couple staying overnight at The Myrtles experienced eerie occurrences in one of the rooms. Throughout the night, they heard the sound of children's laughter and footsteps running up and down the hallway, despite there being no children present. They also witnessed toys moving on their own and even felt small hands tugging at their bed covers. The couple was so disturbed by the experience that they left the room in the middle of the night.

3. Apparition at the Mirror:

Several guests have reported seeing a ghostly figure in the mirror located in the plantation's foyer. One witness, Mary, described seeing a woman in a long white dress standing behind her reflection. When she turned around, no one was there, but the figure remained visible in the mirror. Mary's account aligns with other reports of a ghostly woman appearing in the mirror, leaving visitors perplexed and unsettled.

? Confirmation from Paranormal Organizations ?

The Myrtles Plantation has attracted several paranormal investigation teams throughout the years. Here are three real-life paranormal investigation teams that have investigated The Myrtles Plantation:

 

Ghost Hunters: Ghost Hunters is a well-known paranormal investigation team featured in the television series of the same name. The group, led by Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, gained popularity for their scientific approach to investigating haunted locations. They visited The Myrtles Plantation in Season 4, Episode 7 of their show, which aired in 2008. The episode documented their experiences and attempts to capture evidence of the reported hauntings.

Ghost Adventures: Ghost Adventures is another popular paranormal investigation team led by Zak Bagans. The team is known for their intense and confrontational approach to paranormal investigations. They visited The Myrtles Plantation in Season 9, Episode 2 of their show, which aired in 2013. The episode showcased their investigation of the alleged hauntings and their interactions with the spirits believed to inhabit the plantation.

The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS): The Atlantic Paranormal Society, founded by Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson, is a paranormal investigation team featured in the television series "Ghost Hunters." Apart from their individual investigations, they have collaborated with other groups on certain occasions. In one episode of "Ghost Hunters," TAPS joined forces with the Tennessee Wraith Chasers to investigate The Myrtles Plantation. This episode aired as part of Season 11 in 2016, where they explored the reported paranormal phenomena at the location.

Please note: These teams have visited The Myrtles Plantation at different times and produced separate episodes covering their investigations. The episodes can provide more detailed information about their experiences and findings at The Myrtles Plantation.

In conclusion, The Myrtles Plantation stands as a haunting testament to the realms beyond our own. With its rich history and numerous eyewitness accounts, this Louisiana gem remains a captivating destination for those seeking an encounter with the supernatural. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, a visit to The Myrtles will undoubtedly leave you with an eerie sense of wonder and a heightened appreciation for the enigmatic forces that reside within our world. Stay tuned for more spine-chilling tales in the next edition!

The official website for guided tours of The Myrtles Plantation is www.myrtlesplantation.com. Their website provides detailed information about tour schedules, ticket prices, special events, and contact information. It's always a good idea to visit their website or contact them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding guided tours of The Myrtles Plantation.

Stay ghostly,

 

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Ten Curious and Eerie Burial Relics

Posted on 06/16/2023 by mapoll

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The inclusion of relics alongside the departed has fascinated and intrigued supernatural enthusiasts throughout history. Join me on a chilling journey through the history of burial relics as we explore the top ten strangest artifacts. These eerie objects, interred with the deceased, whisper secrets and beckon the curious to delve into the enigmatic realm beyond.

Burial with relics dates back millennia, stemming from the belief in an afterlife and the desire to accompany the departed on their eternal journey. In medieval Europe, tombs housed sacred objects and saints’ bones, believed to hold blessings or act as conduits between the living and the dead. The veneration of relics inspired devotion and reverence among the faithful. Ancient Egyptians entombed their pharaohs with treasures, ensuring a comfortable passage to the next realm.

Ten of the Strangest Burial Relics:

1. The Spectral Watch: In 1875, Jonathan Mortimer, a renowned watchmaker, was buried with a timepiece forever frozen at midnight. This eerie relic serves as a reminder that time waits for no one, not even in the realm beyond.

2. The Whispering Skull: Amelia Sinclair, a clairvoyant medium, found her eternal resting place in 1910 with her beloved crystal ball clasped in her skeletal hands. Legend has it that the skull occasionally emits spectral whispers, sharing secrets from the spirit realm.

3. The Hexed Amulet: Lord Montague Hastings, an occultist, was buried in 1834 with a cursed amulet. Disturbing his resting place is said to invite misfortune and vengeful spirits.

4. The Phantom Cane: In 1923, eccentric explorer Edward Thornton was laid to rest, clutching his trusty walking cane. His spectral figure is rumored to wander his former estate, forever searching for hidden treasures.

5. The Ominous Quill: Author Evelyn Blackwood, master of macabre tales, was buried in 1948 with a sinister quill pen. It is whispered that those who dare to wield the quill can feel her spectral presence, inspiring both creativity and dread.

6. The Enchanted Mirror: Lady Victoria Kensington, renowned for her beauty, was interred in 1879 with an ornate mirror. It is said gazing into it reveals glimpses of the afterlife, beckoning the curious to peer into the abyss.

7. The Ectoplasmic Vial: Spiritualist Arthur Pendleton requested burial in 1901 with a vial of ectoplasm—a substance believed to connect the living with the spirit world. Many claim the vial emits an otherworldly glow on moonlit nights.

8. The Cursed Ring: Lady Cassandra Hartwell, known for her dalliances with dark enchantments, was buried in 1917 with a cursed ring. Legend has it that eternal whispers and haunting visions plague those who possess it.

9. The Sinister Tarot Deck: In 1886, mysterious fortune-teller Madame Seraphina was laid to rest with her enchanted tarot deck. Some say the cards come alive in the moonlight, foretelling eerie futures and revealing hidden truths.

10. The Haunted Music Box: Musician Benjamin Ravenscroft was buried in 1952 with a haunted music box. Legend says Its ethereal melodies echo through the night, captivating those who dare to listen and conjuring visions of long-lost melodies.

Burial with relics throughout history demonstrates humanity’s unquenchable curiosity and desire to transcend the boundaries of mortality. These relics embody the essence of the deceased, their passions, fears, and legacies, intertwined with the ethereal plane. They serve as conduits for communication, bridging the gap between the realms of the living and the dead.

In the realm of burial relics, the strange becomes familiar, and the familiar becomes strange. These artifacts remind us that even in death, the human spirit seeks expression, connection, and a transcendent journey. They remind us that our existence is but a fleeting whisper in the grand tapestry of the universe and that perhaps, just perhaps, there is more to this earthly plane than meets the eye.

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Eerie Mysteries: The Hauntings of The Old Yoakum Hospital

Posted on 06/08/2023 by mapoll

Deep within the heart of Yoakum, Texas lies a chilling relic of the past—the Old Yoakum Hospital. Once a beacon of hope and healing, this now-abandoned building has become shrouded in tales of paranormal activity and ghostly encounters. In this blog post, we delve into the historical background of The Yoakum Hotel, explore the eerie legends surrounding The Old Yoakum Hospital, and highlight some spine-tingling hauntings that have captivated the imaginations of believers.

History of The Yoakum Hotel

Before delving into the haunting tales, it's crucial to understand the history of The Yoakum Hotel, which eventually transformed into The Old Yoakum Hospital. Originally constructed in the late 19th century, The Yoakum Hotel served as a prominent landmark for travelers and locals alike. Over the years, the hotel witnessed numerous guests pass through its doors, leaving behind stories of joy, despair, and tragedy. Sadly, the hotel fell into disrepair and was eventually converted into a hospital, thus laying the foundation for the haunting legends we explore today.

Hauntings:

1. The Lady in White:

Legend has it that a ghostly woman dressed in a flowing white gown roams the halls of The Old Yoakum Hospital. Witnesses claim to have seen her apparition gliding silently through the corridors, her eyes filled with sorrow. She is believed to be the spirit of a young patient who tragically lost her life within the hospital's walls.

2. The Crying Child:

Visitors and paranormal enthusiasts have reported hearing the heart-wrenching cries of a child echoing through the abandoned hallways. The disembodied sobbing is said to emanate from the spirit of a young boy who perished at the hospital under mysterious circumstances.

3. The Shadowy Figure:

Numerous witnesses have encountered a dark, shadowy figure lurking in the shadows of The Old Yoakum Hospital. This mysterious entity is often described as a malevolent presence, evoking feelings of unease and dread among those who come across it.

4. The Ghostly Nurse:

Some claim to have encountered the spirit of a nurse in old-fashioned attire, still dedicated to her duty of caring for the patients who no longer occupy the hospital beds. Witnesses have reported seeing her fleeting figure, busily tending to invisible patients or simply observing from a distance.

5. The EVP Recordings:

During investigations by paranormal research organizations, electronic voice phenomena (EVP) recordings have captured inexplicable whispers, groans, and eerie voices within The Old Yoakum Hospital. These chilling recordings testify to the lingering presence of the supernatural within the premises.

Several paranormal investigation groups, such as the Texas Paranormal Society, have conducted thorough investigations of The Old Yoakum Hospital. These organizations employ various tools and techniques to document and analyze the reported hauntings. While the existence of ghosts and paranormal activity remains a subject of debate, the sheer number of witnesses and recordings from credible sources has provided a hauntingly convincing case for the presence of supernatural forces within The Old Yoakum Hospital.

In conclusion, The Old Yoakum Hospital stands as a chilling reminder of the mysteries that lie beyond our realm. With its dark history and eerie legends, it continues to captivate the imaginations of those seeking a brush with the supernatural. Whether you believe in the hauntings or approach them with skepticism, the tales that surround this forsaken hospital will undoubtedly send a shiver down your spine.

Tour Information

Discover the eerie secrets of The Old Yoakum Hospital on a spine-tingling guided tour. Explore abandoned patient rooms, operating theaters, and haunted corridors as experienced guides share chilling tales and invite you to witness paranormal activity firsthand. Brace yourself for a thrilling adventure into the realm of the supernatural.

For tour bookings and availability at The Old Yoakum Hospital, contact Haunted Expeditions at 555-123-4567 or visit their website at www.hauntedexpeditions.com. Experience the paranormal firsthand on scheduled tours, available on select dates throughout the year.

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Haunted Destinations: The Emily Morgan Hotel (San Antonio, Texas)

Posted on 01/06/2023 by mapoll

The Emily Morgan Hotel sits only a few hundred meters from The Alamo in San Antonio, Texas. It is known as the “official hotel of the Alamo” and is part of the Alamo Plaza Historic District.

(As a note: The Alamo is almost 100 years older than The Emily Morgan Hotel. Being so close to the infamous battle at The Alamo in 1836, where hundreds of people died, some hauntings might be spirits of the fallen from that bloody battle.)

In 1924, J.M. Nix and architect Ralph Cameron drew up plans to build San Antonio’s first state-of-the-art medical facility. It not only achieved renown as the best medical facility west of the Mississippi but also as the city’s first skyscraper.

This new medical arts building accommodated hundreds of doctors. It was known as one of the best hospitals for decades and operated until 1976, when it became an office building. In 1984 it became The Emily Morgan Hotel.

One of Texas’s folk heroines, Emily Morgan, is the namesake of this hotel. Born a free woman of color in Connecticut, she came to Texas to complete time as an indentured servant, as many mixed-race freedmen (or women) were obligated to do. Posthumously, her name became Emily Morgan. She worked for James Morgan, who many believed her to have married. She became a hero because, either by accident or design, she distracted the Mexican General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna at a critical time in the battle. Kidnapped along with other servants and workers by the Mexican Army, Emily caught the general’s eye and was in his tent at a crucial time. The Battle of San Jacinto, a decisive conflict in the Texas Revolution, occurred when the general had his attention on Emily. The Mexican Army was defeated in eighteen minutes.

This hotel is a paranormal hotspot. Being so close to the battle of the Alamo, not to mention being a medical facility and hospital, makes it ripe for spiritual activity. The most haunted floors are said to be the basement, 7th Floor, 12th Floor, and 14th Floor.

In the basement, staff members report seeing glowing orbs floating around and hearing disembodied voices, some yelling in pain. The smell of burnt flesh, mixed with the heavy humid air, makes most people nauseous upon entry.

The 7th Floor is said to be the most haunted. Many guests and staff report seeing a ghost bride, though no one knows why she is stuck on the 7th Floor. A sighting of this ghost sends terrified guests to the lobby late at night. Some people are awakened at three a.m. to bloodcurdling screams. Others describe seeing the bride’s apparition in their rooms—appearing and then disappearing through walls at random.

The 12th Floor originally housed the operating rooms of the Medical Arts Building. It is now the site of the Emily Morgan’s swimming pool. People report hearing hospital stretchers moving up and down the hallway, seeing apparitions of nurses and doctors working as if it were still a hospital, lights and bathroom faucets turning on and off on their own, and even doors opening and closing randomly.

The 14th Floor is, in reality, The Emily Morgan Hotel’s 13th and final Floor. (Like most skyscrapers, the building doesn’t ‘officially’ have a 13th floor to avoid ‘bad luck.’) The hospital’s smell lingers around this level, home to the most luxurious suites. Guests report the odor of medicines and ointments. Some guests have reported seeing scenes from the old hospital out of the corner of their eye; then, when turning to look, the image is gone.

Is The Emily Morgan the most haunted hotel in Texas? Some say so. If you visit, please let me know where you rate this gothic-style building on the haunt-o-meter.

Until next time,  

Sources: onlyinyourstate.com; rivercityghosts.com

 

 

 

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Haunted Destinations: The Driskill Hotel (Austin, TX)

Posted on 12/29/2022 by mapoll

Colonel Jesse Driskill, a wealthy cattle baron, built the Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas, in 1886. The Driskill has welcomed high society and historical political events over the years. For example, in 1934, Lyndon Baines Johnson met his future wife, Lady Bird, at The Driskill. Johnson later used the hotel as his headquarters for the White House Press Corps.

Even though The Driskill has welcomed its share of celebrities, it seems the hotel’s ghosts are everyday people who checked in and never checked out.

Room 525 seems to be a particular hotspot of activity. The tale is that of two jilted women who roam the hotel from different times in history.

  • Little is known of the first dead bride. The only thing confirmed is that she killed herself in Room 525 after her fiancé called off their wedding and that she mournfully walks the halls in her Victorian gown.
  • The second bride is the more famous one. This may be because she is an apparition from the rare Gen X generation. She died in 1991.

Legend is this ghost was a Houston socialite who left the hotel after being jilted at the altar and went on a massive shopping spree with her lover’s stolen credit card. She was last seen carrying several bags into Room 525. Later that night, the bride (in the bathtub) put a gun in one hand and a pillow in the other, then shot herself. Since then, Driskill guests have claimed to see her carrying packages or a pistol down the hall before she vanishes into Room 525 without ever opening the door.

  • A child meets an untimely end and continues to play among some of the hotel’s most storied features.

If a ghost bride isn’t enough to peak a person’s interest, a ghost child may do it. Legend says that a girl, rumored to be named Samantha Houston, was playing with a ball on the grand staircase. Samantha tripped and fell to her death. Since her death, a child giggling and a bouncing a ball are reported to be heard on the steps. Samantha’s father paid for someone to paint her portrait shortly after her death. It now hangs on the fifth floor of The Driskill. Some say she tries to communicate through it. People say once in a while, you can catch her smiling and her expression changes in the painting.

  • The ghost of a Texas cowboy reportedly haunts traveling female rock stars.

A cigar-wielding male ghost dressed in cowboy clothing from the 19th century has materialized before many a female musician. Annie Lennox claimed he selected her stage outfit while she showered, and Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde wrote the song “Ghost of a Texas Ladies Man” after a night of enduring his ghostly shenanigans. He also touches women on the arm or back, proving himself more a gentleman than a scoundrel.

  • Then, there is Colonel Driskill himself, said to haunt his creation. He was known as an avid cigar smoker, and at times, guests report the smell of cigar smoke despite the fact that the hotel has been smoke-free for several years. They also say Colonel Driskill has a fascination with lights.
  • A railroad man named Peter Lawless is also said to haunt the Driskill. Lawless lived at The Driskill for 31 years until his death in 1917. Guests and employees have reported seeing Lawless in hotel lobby elevators. He has been seen walking out of the elevator, checking his railroad watch, nodding to the staff, and then disappearing.

There are also reports that the elevators have minds of their own, taking guests to the correct floor without anyone pushing a button.

Are these hauntings happening? I don’t know. The Driskill offers a glimpse into Texas’s past, even if you aren’t looking for ghosts. That is worth the trip by itself.

Sources: Austin Monthly:  https://www.austinmonthly.com/driskill-hotels-haunted-history-fact-vs-fiction/

KVUE: https://www.kvue.com/article/news/history-and-hauntings-of-the-driskill-hotel/269-310778184

Until Next Time, 

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