People widely regard New Orleans as one of the most haunted places in the United States due to its rich and dark history.
The locals have long believed that the multitude of reported hauntings can be attributed to the city’s past, which is full of tales of tragedy, violence, and sorrow.
The supernatural events that permeate the streets and buildings of the city fascinate many visitors. Despite some skepticism, the stories of ghostly apparitions and unexplained occurrences continue to captivate and intrigue those who seek to unravel the secrets of this fascinating and enigmatic city.
In New Orleans, I decided to take a Haunted History Tour. There were many options to choose from, but I went with a guide who had a great sense of humor and made the experience quite engaging.
He explained that the French Quarter had a high concentration of deaths that occurred in a small area over a short period. He also mentioned that violent deaths tend to leave a strong emotional impact, which contributes to hauntings and paranormal activity, and there was certainly no shortage of that in the area.
LaLaurie Mansion on 1140 Royal Street
Delphine LaLaurie, a native of New Orleans, experienced a life full of adventure as she married three times. Her story has become renowned for the infamous torture chamber located on Royal Street.
In 1832, Dr. Louis LaLaurie and his wife Delphine owned a Creole mansion in the French Quarter, with many slaves to maintain it.
The mansion’s kitchen fire uncovered the house’s true horrors. Legend has it that behind a barred door in the attic was a torture chamber for those enslaved.
Delphine and Louis had a close call when some upset townspeople chased after them. Unfortunately, they were able to make a quick getaway in a carriage. The town council summoned the surviving injured and demanded compensation to assist in their recovery.
Since the LaLauries had fled and couldn’t be found, the angry mob returned the following morning and vandalized the LaLaurie Mansion.
Some think that the old house in town, once home to slaves many years ago, could be experiencing some supernatural phenomena.
There’s a room in the house where they used to keep slaves, and some people say they’ve heard moaning sounds coming from it. Others have reported hearing phantom footsteps, which can be pretty creepy. Locals talk about feeling negative energy in the house, but it’s all part of the legend. Some folks even claim to have seen Delphine LaLaurie, the house’s previous owner.
The Sultan’s Palace
I found many beautiful buildings in the French Quarter with a vibrant history, but the Sultan’s Palace is one of my favorites.
According to legend, Joseph Coulon Gardette constructed the building at 716 Dauphine Street in 1836. He desired to establish his practice in the French Quarter as a dentist. In only four years, Joseph Gardette experienced tremendous success. So, he decided to engage the services of architect Frederick Roy to create a splendid residence for himself.
Back in 1839, Gaudette sold his house for a whopping $20,049 to Jean Baptiste LePretre House, a successful bank merchant and plantation owner. Unfortunately, when the Civil War broke out in the 1860s, LePrete’s financial situation suffered, and he could no longer maintain the property.
Later on, a man from the Middle East approached Jean Batiste LePretre with a proposal to rent out the mansion to his brother. LePrete was more than happy to agree and signed the contract. Soon after, the sultan moved in with his servants, harem, and eunuchs.
A severe tempest hit the lovely French Quarter during a dark and stormy night. The strong winds howled. The rain poured heavily, causing the locals to secure their homes and shelter until the turbulent storm subsided.
The next day, the milkmen passing by the palace were strangely silent. He called the police, the police entered the palace cautiously and found a horrible sight. The palace walls and blood were all over the floor. The bodies dispersed through the palace were dismembered and slid open, with their inside spilled out everywhere.
The police checked the backyard and found a fresh grave with a hand sticking out of the soil. Someone buried the sultan alive. Many people complain they have seen a man dressed in silk and heard women screaming. No one can say what really happened. How much this story is true is anyone’s guess.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
On August 14, 1789, a Spanish royal decree approved the cemetery as a permanent burial site despite its initial intention as a temporary one.
In 1803, a city ordinance required above-ground burials in New Orleans due to flooding risks and low-lying terrain. This led to the creation of the city’s distinctive above-ground tombs, influenced by French and Spanish memorial architecture. The creation of above-ground tombs makes this cemetery unique.
Many of the city’s early occupants and infamous personalities, including Marie Laveau, are here. It has also been named the ‘Most Haunted Cemetery in the United States.’
You’ll come across all sorts of interesting people buried in the cemetery. Various people – pirates, politicians, artists, aristocrats, and even the Queen of Voodoo! It’s no wonder there are plenty of spooky tales associated with this place.
There have been stories about ghostly figures and people who died from yellow fever haunting the crypts. One of the most famous spirits is believed to be Marie Laveau. She was known as the Queen of Voodoo in New Orleans. Some people think that Laveau appears yearly on St. John’s Eve (June 23) to lead Voodoo followers in worship.
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar
Have you heard of Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar in New Orleans? It’s such a charming spot where Bourbon and St. Philip intersect. And get this – it’s one of the oldest buildings in the area! It’s the oldest bar in the United States, built between 1722 and 1732. Legend has it that Jean and Pierre Lafitte used it for smuggling in Barataria from 1772 to 1791. This unique and historic landmark really showcases the city’s rich and colorful past.
There’s a fascinating legend about Jean Lafitte, a French-American pirate and privateer who was famous for raiding the Gulf of Mexico. According to the tale, his treasure was hidden inside the bricks of a specific structure. People also say that some of his looted belongings were secretly concealed beneath a fireplace grate located on the lower level of a bar. Interestingly, there are whispers that eerie red eyes can sometimes be seen peeking out from the grate. It’s definitely an intriguing story!
As per the stories told by the locals, it is believed that a pirate’s ghost haunts the bar, keeping watch over a valuable treasure. Jean Lafitte’s ghost is also said to roam around the tavern.
Is it worth visiting the Haunted New Orleans?
It is definitely worth visiting Haunted New Orleans.
If you’re headed to New Orleans, there are some really cool things to see and do. You might want to consider taking one of the haunted tours, visiting some of the local graveyards, or learning more about the city’s history. And if you’re feeling adventurous, exploring the city at night can be a lot of fun, too!