Haunted Places in Louisiana: Ghosts, Spirits, and Chilling Legends

Louisiana is well-known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and chilling ghost stories. From haunted plantations to eerie cemeteries, there’s no shortage of haunted spots across the state. Below, we explore some of the most haunted places in Louisiana, detailing both their history and the hauntings that have been reported. These tales of spirits and mysterious occurrences offer a fascinating glimpse into the darker side of Louisiana’s storied past.

Shreveport Municipal Auditorium

History: Located in Shreveport, the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium has long been a staple of Louisiana history. The building, completed in 1929, has hosted countless musical performances, including those by Elvis Presley. This beautiful structure, with its rich Art Deco design, has been a significant part of Shreveport’s cultural scene for nearly a century.

Hauntings: The auditorium is said to be haunted by the spirit of a young girl who likes to play peek-a-boo with visitors, and there have also been accounts of doors slamming shut with no apparent cause. Some even claim they can hear the voice of Elvis singing or talking from the rafters, especially late at night when the building is empty.

Staff and visitors alike have felt sudden cold spots, heard whispers, and seen shadowy figures darting along the upper levels. To explore other haunted locations across the USA, check out Florida’s Most Haunted: A Journey Through the Sunshine State.

Oak Alley Plantation

History: In Vacherie, Oak Alley Plantation is renowned for its beautiful oak-lined path. However, the plantation’s history is much darker, with ties to slavery and the suffering endured by those who lived and worked there. The plantation, completed in the early 19th century, has seen its fair share of tragedy, with stories of illness, mistreatment, and the lives of enslaved people shaping its past.

Hauntings: Employees and visitors have reported eerie occurrences, including the sensation of being touched, objects flying across rooms, and children crying or the clatter of horses’ hooves along the famous oak-lined driveway. Strange lights have been seen in the upstairs windows at night, and some claim to have seen ghostly figures standing by the majestic oaks. This haunting history is reminiscent of other plantation stories in the South, such as those found in our guide to Haunted Places in Dorset, UK.

Marie Laveau’s Grave and St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

History: Marie Laveau, New Orleans’ famous Voodoo Queen, rests in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, which is the oldest existing cemetery in the city. Born in 1801, Marie Laveau gained renown as a powerful and influential Voodoo practitioner, blending Catholicism with traditional African beliefs. Her influence extended across New Orleans, earning her a legendary status that persists to this day.

Hauntings: Many believe that Marie Laveau still grants wishes from beyond the grave for those who leave offerings at her tomb. The cemetery itself has a reputation for paranormal activity, with visitors feeling a ghostly presence while wandering through the old tombs. Some have reported seeing her spirit watching over the offerings left by believers, while others have heard murmurs in French when no one else is around. Interested in more ghost stories from around the world? Read about The White Lady: A Global Ghost Story.

Magnolia Plantation

History: Magnolia Plantation in Natchitoches has a sinister history, often linked with voodoo practices and the exploitation of enslaved people. Built in the early 1800s, this plantation was a thriving hub, with deep connections to both local history and the mystical practices that characterized the region.

Hauntings: Paranormal investigators and visitors have reported strange happenings such as motion detectors being triggered for no apparent reason and mysterious voices echoing through the main house. In addition, the old family cemetery is known for sudden temperature drops and ghostly figures appearing at dusk, lending an eerie feel to this historic property.

LaLaurie Mansion

History: The LaLaurie Mansion, one of New Orleans’ most infamous haunted locations, was the home of Madame Delphine LaLaurie, notorious for her cruelty towards enslaved people in the early 1800s. After a devastating fire in 1834, it was revealed that Madame LaLaurie had been conducting horrific acts in secret, leading to her rapid flight from New Orleans.

Hauntings: Since the fire in 1834 that revealed her atrocities, the mansion has been plagued by paranormal activity. Reports include slamming doors, cold drafts in closed-off rooms, and visitors feeling as if unseen forces touched them. Some claim to hear the screams of those who were once imprisoned in the attic, while others see ghostly figures wandering the hallways. If you’re fascinated by haunted mansions, take a look at our article on Hampshire’s Most Haunted.

Myrtles Plantation

History: The Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville is widely regarded as one of America’s most haunted houses. Built in 1796, this plantation has a long history, including tales of murder, betrayal, and heartbreak. It’s said to house 12 restless spirits, most notably Chloe, a ghostly servant girl, and William Winter, a lawyer who was murdered on the premises.

Hauntings: Visitors have frequently reported hearing footsteps when no one is there and seeing ghostly apparitions, particularly around the infamous staircase where William Winter is said to have died. Many have also claimed to have seen Chloe wandering the property, her green turban unmistakable. Unexplained knocking, crying, and the feeling of being watched are common occurrences at Myrtles.

Old State Capitol Building (Lafayette R. Logan House)

History: In Baton Rouge, the Old State Capitol Building, also known as the Lafayette R. Logan House, has a long and eerie history, steeped in political and cultural events. Built in 1847, it served as the seat of government and witnessed much of the tumultuous history of Louisiana, including the Civil War.

Hauntings: The building is said to be haunted by the spirit of 11-year-old Theodora Hunt, who allegedly leapt to her death from the attic window. Visitors have reported hearing her giggles, seeing objects move, and experiencing doors that lock and unlock on their own. The sound of hurried footsteps in empty corridors and the appearance of a shadowy figure have also been noted, adding to the mystery of this historic site.

Oakland Cemetery (Miller Cemetery)

History: Known locally as Miller Cemetery, Oakland Cemetery in Shreveport is infamous for its ghost stories and eerie atmosphere. Established in the 1800s, it has been the resting place for many notable figures in the area and has gained a reputation as one of the most haunted places in Shreveport.

Hauntings: Dubbed the “Headless Cemetery,” it is said to be haunted by a headless ghost, often seen wandering among the graves. There have also been reports of cars experiencing unexplained issues while passing near the cemetery. Some visitors have felt an intense sense of dread or seen strange lights flitting through the gravestones, especially on foggy nights.

Calcasieu Courthouse

History: In Lake Charles, the Calcasieu Courthouse was previously used as a funeral home, giving it an unsettling history. Built in the early 20th century, the courthouse has seen numerous legal proceedings, but its past as a funeral home seems to linger in the air.

Hauntings: Visitors and employees have reported doors that open and close by themselves, as well as the lingering smell of old perfume—perhaps left behind by former mourners. Many have heard faint crying or whispers in empty rooms, and some have felt a cold breeze even on the hottest days, suggesting the presence of something otherworldly.

Opelousas Museum and Interpretive Center

History: Located in Opelousas, this museum was once a funeral home and is now dedicated to preserving local history. Its role as a funeral home, coupled with the artifacts now housed within, contributes to its eerie reputation.

Hauntings: The museum is said to be haunted by spirits of the past. Reports include antique dolls moving on their own, doors opening and closing, and other eerie occurrences. The old embalming room is a hotspot for strange activities, with many visitors claiming to hear whispers or feel sudden, inexplicable chills.

T’Frere’s House

History: T’Frere’s House in Lafayette is a charming bed and breakfast that was once a plantation home. Built in the 1800s, this quaint house has a tragic story tied to it, involving the unfortunate death of Amelie Comeaux.

Hauntings: It is haunted by the ghost of Amelie Comeaux, who allegedly jumped into a well after losing her family. Visitors have reported ghostly apparitions, as well as mysterious piano music—despite the piano being removed. Guests have also heard footsteps in the night and the soft crying of a woman, adding to the sad atmosphere that pervades this otherwise charming home.

Ursuline Convent and St. Louis Cathedral

History: The Ursuline Convent and St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans are among the city’s most historic landmarks, both with chilling stories of hauntings. The convent, built in 1752, was initially home to the Ursuline nuns, while the cathedral is one of the oldest in the United States, witnessing centuries of history.

Hauntings: The Ursuline Convent is said to be haunted by the spirits of young girls, known as “the Casket Girls.” Meanwhile, St. Louis Cathedral is believed to be haunted by Pere Dagobert, a former pastor whose spirit allegedly watches over the church. Shadowy figures, inexplicable lights, and sudden drops in temperature are common phenomena experienced by visitors to these sacred places.

Old Absinthe House

History: The Old Absinthe House, a bar located in New Orleans, has been in operation for over 200 years and is famous for its historical patrons, including pirates, politicians, and the notorious.

Hauntings: Famous figures such as Marie Laveau, General Andrew Jackson, and pirate Jean Lafitte are said to still roam the bar. Reports include bottles and chairs moving around on their own, and doors that mysteriously open and close. Guests have also claimed to hear phantom conversations, as though the bar is still hosting lively debates and clandestine meetings.

Hotel Monteleone and Andrew Jackson Hotel

History: Both located in New Orleans, Hotel Monteleone and Andrew Jackson Hotel have long histories of eerie events. Hotel Monteleone, established in the 1880s, has been a luxurious landmark, while the Andrew Jackson Hotel has operated since the early 19th century and once served as a boarding school.

Hauntings: Hotel Monteleone is known for ghostly apparitions, often of former guests who have never quite checked out. There are reports of a young boy who roams the hallways looking for his parents and of elevators stopping on their own at floors without anyone pressing the buttons. The Andrew Jackson Hotel is said to be haunted by the spirits of children and other former guests, with reports of strange noises, ghostly sightings, and even spectral children playing in the courtyard.

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Louisiana’s haunted locations each have their unique histories and legends. If you’re intrigued by ghost stories and haunted history, Louisiana is the place to explore. From the eerie tales of voodoo queens to the chilling stories of haunted plantations, the state is steeped in the supernatural.