A Portrait in Architecture
Imagine a grand house atop a hill, facing the east with a warm and welcoming countenance. The Myrtles Plantation greets visitors with an architectural display as rich and complex as its history. With its clapboard exterior, this Creole cottage-style structure is a testament to the tastes of the 18th century when it was first erected.
As you approach, you’ll first notice the impressive 125-foot-long veranda, gracefully stretching the entire façade and wrapping around the southern end. The eye-catching cast-iron railing, adorned with an intricate grape-cluster design, supports a full Doric entablature.
Above, the gabled roof hosts pedimented dormers interspersed with brick chimneys. These elements offer an architectural narrative of history, grace, and grandeur.
Step inside, and you’ll be enveloped in a historical haven featuring 22 rooms across two floors. The spacious entry hall, resplendent with faux-bois and pierced frieze work molding, creates a stunning first impression.
The house is adorned with original windows and flooring, conveying an enduring sense of authenticity. The intimate music room, formal dining area, and ornate parlors whisper of elegance, their Carrara marble mantles and unique plaster cornices, each carrying a piece of the past.
The Establishment and Early Years
Over two centuries ago, in 1796, the Myrtles Plantation was brought to life by General David Bradford, named initially “Laurel Grove.” Bradford, later pardoned for his role in the Pennsylvania Whiskey Rebellion, moved his family to this grand plantation, where they would become stewards of the land.
Following Bradford’s death in 1808, the management of the plantation fell to Clarke Woodruff, one of Bradford’s law students.
Woodruff and his family bore the weight of tragedy as they lost three members to the yellow fever epidemic in the 1820s. After Elizabeth Bradford died in 1831, the plantation changed hands, marking the end of the Bradford-Woodruff era.
Through Wars and Crises
The years would see the Myrtles Plantation change hands several times. It survived the American Civil War turbulence, even as its fine furnishings and luxurious accessories were robbed.
In the war’s aftermath, the plantation bore witness to the struggles of the Winter family, as they lost their fortune tied up in Confederate currency and were forced to relinquish the plantation. In 1871, the plantation grounds became the scene of a murder, marking another tragic episode in its history.
The 20th Century and Today
As the new century dawned, the land surrounding the Myrtles Plantation was divided among various owners, marking a new phase of its existence.
The 1950s saw the property sold to Marjorie Munsons, and several ownership changes in the 1970s eventually led to the plantation being transformed into a bed and breakfast under the stewardship of James and Frances Kermeen Myers.
In 2014, a fire wreaked havoc on the plantation’s General’s Store, but luckily the main house emerged unscathed. The Myrtles Plantation in Louisiana remains an accessible historical site thanks to the efforts of its current proprietors, John and Teeta Moss.
They persist in facilitating tours and accommodating overnight visitors, thus preserving and sharing the rich history and enduring stories of this renowned plantation.
Paranormal Legends and Mysteries
While history and architecture define the plantation, its paranormal legends add intrigue and mystery. One of the most famous legends is that the house is built on an ancient Tunica Indian burial ground. The restless spirits of the deceased are said to haunt the feet, causing inexplicable occurrences.
Another famous legend tells the tale of Chloe, an enslaved person who had an unfortunate end and is now said to haunt the estate. Meanwhile, the story of William Winter, an attorney who lived in the house, and was shot by an unknown assailant, is a favorite among ghost tour guides.
These tales of spectral figures, strange occurrences, and unexplained phenomena have captivated imaginations for decades, turning the plantation into a focal point for paranormal enthusiasts.
A Final Reflection
Walking through the grounds of the Myrtles Plantation, you’re met with a profound sense of timelessness. Its historical and cultural significance is apparent, a living testament to the past. Despite its eerie reputation, there’s something undeniably captivating about this place.
The echoes of laughter, whispers of sorrow, and murmurs of everyday life still seem to linger, carried on the warm Louisiana breeze. In the shadows and sunlight of this old plantation, history lives on, not just in ghost stories but in the tangible, palpable legacy of the people who lived, worked, and died here.
This isn’t just about a haunted house, an architectural marvel, or a plantation steeped in history. It’s about remembering the human stories that lie within.
It’s about acknowledging a complex past, with its beauty and darkness intertwined. It’s about looking beyond the veil of legends to see the heart of the Myrtles Plantation.
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