For those of you who didn’t grow up in the south, you might have heard of plantations but have not really known how they came about. Originally plantations were farms specializing in cash crops growing things like cotton, cannabis, coffee, tea, cocoa, sugar cane, opium, sisal, oil seeds, oil palms, fruits, and rubber trees.
The Myrtles Plantation is just one of many scattered across the US and has held many interesting facts over the years since 1796 when the plantation first began.
The plantation grew an unsurprising amount of cotton but also indigo. The indigo plant could be used as a natural resource for blue dye that was seen in art or textiles; this dye has been known to be used as early as 1600 BC by India and Egypt. Today it is very rare to find any real indigo-stained clothing.
True to the southern nature, The Myrtles Plantation has gorgeous Oak trees and Spanish moss along with 10- acres of stunning grounds including gardens and ponds.
The Myrtles Plantation brings you back in time with a collection of historical artifacts, including antique furniture, artwork, and family heirlooms, giving visitors a glimpse into the past and the lives of the people who lived there.
According to many visitors, and those that work there, yes. In fact, the Myrtles plantation is rated one of the most haunted places in America. One example of this is The Mirror Legend: A well-recognized feature at the Myrtles is a large mirror in the house, known as the “haunted mirror.” According to legend, if you stare into the mirror, you might see the spirits of those who once lived in the house, or handprints mysteriously appearing on the glass.
Over the years, the Myrtles Plantation has undergone many renovations and preservation efforts to maintain its historical integrity. These efforts have helped to maintain the iconic landmark for future generations to come. Today the property is owned by the Moss family who are a big part of keeping the plantation updated.
The Myrtles Plantation has changed hands multiple times throughout its history. It was initially built by General David Bradford and was later purchased by the Woodruff family, then passed off to Ruffin Gray Stirling then Oran D. Brooks, and then Harrison Milton Williams, and after that several more owners held onto the property until the 1970s when James and Frances Kermeen Myers purchased it. Needless to say, running a plantation ain’t cheap.
The Myrtles Plantation has been featured in numerous publications, TV shows, and documentaries. It has gained widespread recognition not only for its haunting stories but also for its historical value. Some films and TV shows that showcase the plantation are The Long Hot Summer and A Taste of Louisiana with Chef John Folse & Co. It’s practically famous.
The house is so big, it has 22 rooms across two stories. Complete with elegance, the entry hall extends the house’s length with faux-bois, open pierced frieze work molding, and a 300-pound French Baccarat crystal chandelier. Among many other amazing touches, the house still holds original flooring and windows are predominant throughout. On the second floor, you can find five bedrooms, one of which, and unsurprisingly the biggest was The Judge Clark Woodruff Suite.
The Myrtles sits atop a hill and provides a clapboard exterior. Built in the Creole cottage style, reminiscent of 19th-century Louisiana plantation houses. The original construction in 1796 featured six bays and three dormers on the roof up until the mid-1850s when the house was extended south, nearly doubling in size, and increased to nine bays with a new double door entrance.
Restaurant 1796 is on the plantation grounds and it’s delicious. They serve dinner seven days a week and brunch on Saturday and Sunday. The menu has items like hearth grilled cornbread and steak tartare. Don’t forget to try one of their mouth-watering desserts.
The Myrtles Plantation was built by General David Bradford in 1796. He was a well- known lawyer, deputy attorney general and businessman of Washington County, Pennsylvania; but in 1794 Bradford was forced to leave his home. Why? Some might say due to “whiskey business” as some others called him “Whiskey Dave,” General Bradford was wanted for treason for his role in the Whiskey Rebellion.
The Myrtles Plantation is home to over 60,000 visitors from near and far every year.
Voila! all the facts you could ever want of our beloved Myrtles plantation. Make sure to check out the place of mystery, history and charm.
Crescent City Tours offers custom private tours to The Myrtles.
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