#haunted plantations

[myhauntedsalem]

The Restless Spirits at Waverly Plantation

A loving husband had this unique Southern plantation home designed and built for his wife in the mid-1800s. But she tragically died, before Waverly Mansion, located in Clay County Mississippi was finished.

George Hampton Young was a colonel who moved from Georgia to Mississippi to establish a cotton plantation along the Tombigbee River.

Young and his ten children moved into their new home in the 1850s. He ran an impressive farm.

Waverly, besides providing large quantities of cotton had a tannery, lumber mill, gristmill, brick kiln, ice house, gardens, orchards and livestock. The plantation also manufactured its own gas, which was piped into the house to illuminate it.

Waverly has a unique architectural feature, not often seen in the South, a massive copula sits atop this home that affords the visitor a 360-degree view of the surrounding countryside.

This mansion also is known as one of the most haunted homes in the South.

The Young family maintained Waverly until the last of the ten children died in 1913. It then was left to slowly deteriorate.

Robert and Donna Snow fell in love with the old house and spent several years in the 1960s, restoring it to its original splendor. It was made a National Historic Landmark in 1973.

During this time, the Snow’s became acquainted with an assortment of ghosts that haunt Waverly.

The home today is run as a house museum.

During the Civil War several Confederate officers, friends of the Young family, recuperated from battle wounds at Waverly.

In one mirror from this period, a strange sight is seen. Visitors report a Confederate soldier standing behind them, only to turn around and find no one is there.

Colonel Young’s wife, who never lived in the house, is observed wandering through the second-floor rooms. She turns and stares at visitors and then slowly disappears.

The Colonel himself is seen riding a phantom horse near the family cemetery. He is also seen walking through this graveyard and in the yard near the mansion.

The most active ghost at the plantation has been seen and heard by many tour guides and visitors.

This four-year-old girl is believed to be the daughter of a Young family friend. Her apparition appears so real that visitor’s on tours have tried to find what adults she belongs to.

She is usually spotted on the landing of the spiral staircase between the second and third floors.

It is believed that she died of diphtheria in the home during the Civil War.

This young ghost is also heard crying for her mother.

Another sound often noted involves many voices attending a dinner party. They are heard laughing and enjoying music in the mansion’s ballroom.

[mobydyke]

a house is a home but a house is alive but a house is a prison but a house is a graveyard but a house is a caregiver but a house is an emancipation but a house is a monster but the house loves you and the house will not let you go

[fatehbaz]

Despite its green image, Ireland has surprisingly little forest. [...] [M]ore than 80% of the island of Ireland was [once] covered in trees. [...] [O]f that 11% of the Republic of Ireland that is [now] forested, the vast majority (9% of the country) is planted with [non-native] spruces like the Sitka spruce [in commercial plantations], a fast growing conifer originally from Alaska which can be harvested after just 15 years. Just 2% of Ireland is covered with native broadleaf trees.

Text by: Martha O’Hagan Luff. “Ireland has lost almost all of its native forests - here’s how to bring them back.” The Conversation. 24 February 2023. [Emphasis added.]

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[I]ndustrial [...] oil palm plantations [...] have proliferated in tropical regions in many parts of the world, often built at the expense of mangrove and humid forest lands, with the aim to transform them from 'worthless swamp' to agro-industrial complexes [...]. Another clear case [...] comes from the southernmost area in the Colombian Pacific [...]. Here, since the early 1980s, the forest has been destroyed and communities displaced to give way to oil palm plantations. Inexistent in the 1970s, by the mid-1990s they had expanded to over 30,000 hectares. The monotony of the plantation - row after row of palm as far as you can see, a green desert of sorts - replaced the diverse, heterogenous and entangled world of forest and communities.

Text by: Arturo Escobar. "Thinking-Feeling with the Earth: Territorial Struggles and the Ontological Dimension of the Epistemologies of the South." Revista de Antropologia Iberoamericana Volume 11 Issue 1. 2016. [Emphasis added.]

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But efforts to increase global tree cover to limit climate change have skewed towards erecting plantations of fast-growing trees [...] [because] planting trees can demonstrate results a lot quicker than natural forest restoration. [...] [But] ill-advised tree planting can unleash invasive species [...]. [In India] [t]o maximize how much timber these forests yielded, British foresters planted pines from Europe and North America in extensive plantations in the Himalayan region [...] and introduced acacia trees from Australia [...]. One of these species, wattle (Acacia mearnsii) [...] was planted in [...] the Western Ghats. This area is what scientists all a biodiversity hotspot – a globally rare ecosystem replete with species. Wattle has since become invasive and taken over much of the region’s mountainous grasslands. Similarly, pine has spread over much of the Himalayas and displaced native oak trees while teak has replaced sal, a native hardwood, in central India. Both oak and sal are valued for [...] fertiliser, medicine and oil. Their loss [...] impoverished many [local and Indigenous people]. [...]

India’s national forest policy [...] aims for trees on 33% of the country’s area. Schemes under this policy include plantations consisting of a single species such as eucalyptus or bamboo which grow fast and can increase tree cover quickly, demonstrating success according to this dubious measure. Sometimes these trees are planted in grasslands and other ecosystems where tree cover is naturally low. [...] The success of forest restoration efforts cannot be measured by tree cover alone. The Indian government’s definition of “forest” still encompasses plantations of a single tree species, orchards and even bamboo, which actually belongs to the grass family. This means that biennial forest surveys cannot quantify how much natural forest has been restored, or convey the consequences of displacing native trees with competitive plantation species or identify if these exotic trees have invaded natural grasslands which have then been falsely recorded as restored forests. [...] Planting trees does not necessarily mean a forest is being restored. And reviving ecosystems in which trees are scarce is important too.

Text by: Dhanapal Govindarajulu. "India was a tree planting laboratory for 200 years - here are the results." The Conversation. 10 August 2023. [Emphasis added.]

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Nations and companies are competing to appropriate the last piece of available “untapped” forest that can provide the most amount of “environmental services.” [...] When British Empire forestry was first established as a disciplinary practice in India, [...] it proscribed private interests and initiated a new system of forest management based on a logic of utilitarian [extraction] [...]. Rather than the actual survival of plants or animals, the goal of this forestry was focused on preventing the exhaustion of resource extraction. [...]

Text by: Daniel Fernandez and Alon Schwabe. "The Offsetted." e-flux Architecture (Positions). November 2013. [Emphasis added.]

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At first glance, the statistics tell a hopeful story: Chile’s forests are expanding. […] On the ground, however, a different scene plays out: monocultures have replaced diverse natural forests [...]. At the crux of these [...] narratives is the definition of a single word: “forest.” [...] Pinochet’s wave of [...] [laws] included Forest Ordinance 701, passed in 1974, which subsidized the expansion of tree plantations [...] and gave the National Forestry Corporation control of Mapuche lands. This law set in motion an enormous expansion in fiber-farms, which are vast expanses of monoculture plantations Pinus radiata and Eucalyptus species grown for paper manufacturing and timber. [T]hese new plantations replaced native forests […]. According to a recent study in Landscape and Urban Planning, timber plantations expanded by a factor of ten from 1975 to 2007, and now occupy 43 percent of the South-central Chilean landscape. [...] While the confusion surrounding the definition of “forest” may appear to be an issue of semantics, Dr. Francis Putz [...] warns otherwise in a recent review published in Biotropica. […] Monoculture plantations are optimized for a single product, whereas native forests offer [...] water regulation, hosting biodiversity, and building soil fertility. [...][A]ccording to Putz, the distinction between plantations and native forests needs to be made clear. “[...] [A]nd the point that plantations are NOT forests needs to be made repeatedly [...]."

Text by: Julian Moll-Rocek. “When forests aren’t really forests: the high cost of Chile’s tree plantations.” Mongabay. 18 August 2014. [Emphasis added.]

[ladyeckland28]

Step into the eerie world of The Myrtles Plantation in Louisiana, a place shrouded in mystery and spine-chilling tales. 👻🏰 With its reputation as one of America's most haunted homes, this historical site is said to be the backdrop for at least ten tragic murders. From ghostly apparitions gliding through the halls to the unsettling sounds of furniture moving by itself, every corner of this plantation whispers a haunted story.

One of the most famous spirits haunting The Myrtles is Chloe, a former slave who, as legend has it, poisoned the family she served and met a grim fate herself, forever binding her restless spirit to the grounds. Discover more about Chloe's tragic tale and the other supernatural occurrences that make The Myrtles an essential stop for any paranormal enthusiast. 🌑🕯️

[whiskeysorrows]

watching s1 of interview with the vampire and I have so many thoughts on the racial dynamics of the household and the themes of the southern gothic present in it like!!!

[foxyroxyk]

This gorgeous home, Destrehan Plantation, is one of the plantations we visited in New Orleans. It has been a filming site, most notably, interior scenes from the original Interview With the Vampire movie were filmed inside.

[ghostlytales]

South Carolina: Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

This former plantation, featured on "Ghost Hunters," has been in the same family since 1680. Among the paranormal activities that some have claimed to witness: mysterious voices and noises, growling and the sound of music.

[thesehauntedhills]

𝑪𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒕 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑴𝒚𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝑷𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏

[strideofpride]

i think “southern gothic” as a literary genre is usually seen as specific to the post-antebellum/“deep” south, given how deeply it’s rooted in taking on the romanticized mythos of the old antebellum south and using that as the basis for horror. west virginia, though geographically southern, is also a state that only exists because it broke off from confederate virginia to join the union, and doesn’t generally have the same cultural associations with declining opulence or a decaying plantation aristocracy that are seen as fundamental to southern gothic lit (the *actual* history of the state re: wealth and slavery isn’t quite so neat, but that’s a whole ‘nother topic tbh). that’s probably why the op and your anon were reflexively disincluding it, even though it’s obviously apart of the modern day cultural american south.

Yeah I get that, but I wasn’t specifically referring to Southern Gothic when I said West Virginia is culturally part of the South (although yes, not the true “Deep South”). OP’s post, by comparing Appalachia to Michigan and South Dakota, implied that Appalachia wasn’t part of the South at all, which is simply not true.

[myhauntedsalem]

The Catfish Plantation Restaurant Ghosts

The Catfish Plantation Restaurant was built in Waxahachie, TX in 1895. In its early days, it belonged to a farmer named Mr. Anderson. When he passed away, he left the home to his daughter, Elizabeth. She lived in the house alone for many years, until she became engaged. In 1920, on the day of her wedding, she was murdered. Although nobody knows for sure who strangled Elizabeth, most people believed it was either her ex-boyfriend, or her fiancés ex-girlfriend.

Other people lived in the house over the years, until the last owner died in 1970. The Victorian home remained vacant for over a decade. In 1984, Tom and Melissa Baker bought the home and decided to transform it into a restaurant. Even though it wasn’t in the best condition, they still felt that it had a unique charm. They renovated it and turned it in to what it is today – the Catfish Plantation Restaurant.

Some of the former inhabitants of the building are still believed to be there. There have been countless reports of hauntings over the years. The ghost of the murdered Elizabeth has been witnessed by many people. Sometimes employees and guests will smell the scent of roses and experience cold spots. She has allegedly been seen looking out of the bay window.

Employees have also experienced wine glasses and coffee cups disappearing from one place and reappearing elsewhere in the kitchen. The kitchen ghost is believed by some to be that of former resident, Caroline. Caroline lived at the Catfish Plantation from 1953 to 1970. She was the last occupant of the home. According to those who knew her, Caroline loved to cook. Did she love cooking so much that she refused to leave the kitchen, all these years after her death?

Another ghost that hangs around the Catfish Plantation Restaurant is believed to be that of a farmer named “Will” who passed away in 1930. Will spends a lot of time on the front porch. Some police in the area have reported seeing a strange man in overalls standing on the porch. When they approached him, he disappeared.

Other strange phenomenon reported over the years include a broken clock that still chimes every now and then, lights flickering on and off, and doors unlocking themselves.

The owner experienced two incidents before the restaurant was up and running: the first occurred when she arrived one morning and unlocked the building to find a fresh pot of coffee waiting for her, with no possible known person responsible for it; the other incident involved a similar scenario of opening up and finding restaurant implements neatly piled in the middle of the kitchen, as if to suggest their removal.

Kitchen staff repeatedly complain of food suddenly flying across the room and glasses breaking, and it is believed that all of the kitchen activity is caused by the last residential owner who doesn’t approve of the business being in her former home. A separate female entity has been seen in the dining area in a wedding dress and has been observed by employees as well as patrons. A final male spirit spends his time on the front porch and was even witnessed by police who saw him suddenly vanish in thin air.

[geeknik]

31 Days of Halloween: Day 23, The Terrifying Tales of The Myrtles Plantation

As the eerie October night descends, we find ourselves on the haunted grounds of The Myrtles Plantation on Day 23 of our spine-chilling journey. Located in St. Francisville, Louisiana, this ancient abode whispers the sinister sagas of its tormented past, each eerie tale intertwined with the tendrils of the dark and malevolent forces that linger within. The Myrtles Plantation, a realm where history and horror dance amidst the shadows, invites us to delve into the mysteries of the otherworldly.

Historical Background

The Myrtles Plantation was brought to life in 1796 by General David Bradford, later rechristened “Laurel Grove.” The house saw the passing of numerous owners, each leaving behind a fragment of their essence amidst the whispering willows. As history unfurled, the plantation bore witness to a series of tragic events, from the harrowing tales of the Whiskey Rebellion to the unending cries of the enslaved, forever etched into the very soul of the land.

Haunting Tales

• The Legend of Chloe

The tale of Chloe, a young enslaved girl, anchors the eerie essence of The Myrtles Plantation. Ensnared in a dark liaison with Clarke Woodruff, the plantation owner, Chloe’s tale spirals into a narrative of revenge, death, and spectral hauntings. Her spirit, veiled in a green turban, is said to wander the ancient halls, a restless entity amidst the living.

• The Ghostly Children

The spectral imprints of Woodruff’s children, victims of Chloe’s malevolent act, are said to dwell within the reflection of the ancient mirrors, their innocent visages glimpsed in the eerie silence of the midnight hour.

• The Phantom of William Winter

The eerie tale of William Winter, shot and fatally wounded, yet managing a final ascent on the staircase before collapsing into the arms of his beloved, adds a chilling narrative to the plantation’s haunted lore. His phantom is said to reenact this tragic end, a ghostly replay resonating through the eerie silence of the plantation.

Exploring The Myrtles Plantation

Venture into the haunting allure of The Myrtles Plantation, where every creak and whisper unravels a thread of the spectral saga that dwells within. Guided tours meander through the historic rooms and eerie grounds, narrating the chilling tales that have bestowed upon The Myrtles Plantation the title of one of America’s most haunted homes. With every step, the veil between the earthly and the spectral seems to thin, offering a glimpse into the unknown.

Conclusion

As Day 23 of our haunting journey folds into the dark veil of the night, The Myrtles Plantation stands as a spectral realm, where the haunting melodies of the past resonate through the veil of time. The ghostly narratives, each a chilling verse in the plantation’s dark saga, beckon to those who dare, to step into a realm where history and horror entwine in a spectral dance, a haunting serenade to the eerie essence of the October night.

[lightgaswaterelectricityrent]

The summer I lived in Mississippi was the worst summer ever for a bunch of reasons but the one good thing is that we lived at a bird sanctuary and we were responsible for feeding the hummingbirds (this was actually a huge messy chore so not the good part) and because by the end of the summer they had started migrating south in that flyway you could go stand in the garden where the feeders were and literally be swarmed by hummingbirds to the point that it was kind of scary

[letsgethaunted]

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Episode 134: The Ghost Portal at Belle Grove Plantation with Haunted EVP Recordings

Image 01: Belle Grove Plantation today- notice the curved porch doors and three chimneys! Image 02: Belle Grove Plantation , from the rear. Image 03: The Madison Room where it has been reported that a woman in white wakes people by standing at the foot of the bed! Image 04: Original curved doors on the front of the house. Image 05: Found evidence of enslaved individuals who were part of the Plantation‘s history. Image 06: The icehouse, slave quarters and interior of the summer kitchen. Image 07-09: Haunted Recordings taken at Belle Grove Plantation. Image 10: Ghostly apparition of Freddie Mercury at Belle Grove?! What do you guys think? Is Belle Grove a ghost portal or does Freddie Mercury just want to see the curved doors irl?!

[libraryleopard]

Adult gothic horror novel set in Mexico shortly after the the Mexican War of Independence

Follows Beatriz, the mixed-race (indigenous Mexican/white Spanish) daughter of a general executed for treason at the end of the war, who desperately marries a rich hacienda (plantation) owner in search of financial security

When Beatriz travel’s to her husband’s ancestral home, Hacienda San Isidro, she finds that instead of being a refuge, it’s haunted by a malevolent presence that the unwelcoming household refuses to explain

Desperate for help, Beatriz calls on the local young priest, Padre Andrés, for help and the two of them find themselves battling a forbidden attraction alongside their fight against the dark forces inhabiting San Isidro

[blogparanormalexpresso2stuff]

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=189759593660400&set=a.116730404296653&type=3

[archivist-crow]

On this day:

HAW BRANCH HAUNTINGS

On May 23, 1966, 1967, and 1968, ghostly phenomena and bloodcurdling screams ripped through the McConnaughey family's ancestral home of Haw Branch, a Victorian manor built in 1745 in Virginia. The terrified cries began in November, 1965 and occurred again May 23, 1966, and November 23, 1966. On May 23, 1967, the screams were replaced by the female phantom known as the Lady in White. A ghostly white silhouette wearing a floor length dress with full skirt would be observed for ten seconds before she blinked out of sight.

Later that week, the family dog barked incessantly to be let into the house, and upon entering, it rushed to the drawing room. Following the pet, the McConnaughey daughter looked in and saw that, "Blackie was sitting there wagging her tail and looking up at a lady in white who was standing in front of the fireplace." On May 23, 1968, heavy running footsteps were heard, and an enormous bird with a six-foot wingspan was seen in the moonlit yard. Another time, a man carrying a lantern emerged from the barn, but when he neared the house, only the floating lantern could be seen.

In 1969 a relative gave the McConnaugheys a pastel portrait of their ancestor, Florence Wright. Upon opening the parcel, the family was disappointed to discover a black-and-white charcoal drawing, but dutifully hung it over the library mantel. Soon women's voices could be heard in the room. Next, the portrait slowly regained color. Florence showed up as a blue-eyed, red-haired girl sitting beside a pale jade vase with a soft pink rose in it. Once the picture had completely changed to color, the voices from the library stopped. Apparently, Florence had died before the picture was finished, and her spirit had been locked in the picture. The voices were those of two other spirits helping her to escape.

Text from: Almanac of the Infamous, the Incredible, and the Ignored by Juanita Rose Violins, published by Weiser Books, 2009