Truth or Legend? A Killer Slave Haunts the Myrtles Plantation

The Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville, LA bills itself as one of the most haunted homes in America. Dozens of legends surround the historic property, though the tale of Chloe the killer slave is by far the most famous. But is it true?

The Legend

According to popular legend, a slave named Chloe baked an oleander-laced cake and poisoned three members of the prominent Woodruff family: Sarah, the lady of the plantation, and her two daughters. Some say Chloe purposely killed the family, while others insist she only meant to make them ill. In any event, Sara and the children died and are now trapped inside a large mirror inside the plantation, or so the stories go.

Today, visitors report seeing hand prints on the mirror and prints thought to belong to the slain Woodruffs. Strange “drip” marks also run the length of the mirror, and no amount of cleaning can remove the residue. Visitors have also spotted figures in old-fashioned clothing lurking inside the mirror’s warped glass.

 
The Truth

While the Myrtles mirror may seem strange, it’s highly unlikely that Sarah, her daughters, or even “Chloe” is to blame. Plantation records show no record of a slave named Chloe (or even a slave owned by the Woodruffs at all). Plus, none of the Woodruffs died of foul play. In fact, one of the Woodruff daughters survived well into adulthood while the other daughter perished from yellow fever. Sarah Woodruff also succumbed to the disease.

Lack of historical evidence aside, plenty of people believe ghosts walk the Myrtles Plantation. What do you think of the legend of Chloe?

Source