Myrtles Plantation — America's most haunted home in St. Francisville, Louisiana

The Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville, Louisiana, bills itself as one of America's most haunted homes, and few locations can rival its concentration of ghost stories. Built in 1796 by General David Bradford, the plantation's most famous ghost is Chloe, an enslaved woman who allegedly poisoned the wife and children of the plantation owner with an oleander-laced birthday cake after he cut off her ear for eavesdropping. Chloe was reportedly hanged by other enslaved people who feared retribution. Her ghost is said to appear wearing a green turban to cover her missing ear. A photograph taken at the plantation in 1992 appears to show a figure in period clothing standing between the buildings, which believers identify as Chloe. Other reported spirits include the ghost of William Winter, a former owner who was shot on the front porch in 1871 and reportedly dragged himself inside and up the staircase before dying on the 17th step — his footsteps are allegedly heard retracing this path. The Myrtles' grounds are said to sit atop a Tunica Indian burial site, which some believe amplifies the paranormal activity. Guests at the bed-and-breakfast have reported mirrors rippling as if made of water, the grand piano playing by itself, and the apparitions of children playing on the veranda.