New Orleans, known for its history, features haunted places that come alive at night as part of everyday life. Halloween or no Halloween, haunted spots have long been part of daily life in this vibrant city.
Muriel’s is one of the many makeshift morgues established during yellow fever epidemics of the 1700s; during which cemeteries filled up and makeshift morgues emerged like Muriel’s. People visiting Muriel’s can sometimes witness Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan himself appear as a flicker of sparkly light that moves through Muriel’s second-floor Seance Lounge.
Woldenberg Park
Woldenberg Park sits on land that once housed warehouses and wharves along the Mississippi Riverfront. Opened to the public in 1989 and named in honor of Malcolm Woldenberg philanthropist.
History tells a chilling tale: the park served as New Orleans’ original burial ground where slaves would be interred for their journey into eternity. Some accounts indicate that these dead would sometimes slip out of their coffins into the murky waters of the river and end up there forevermore.
At this bar, it’s still possible to see spirits today – General Andrew Jackson, Marie Laveau or pirate Jean Lafitte could well appear! Staff have reported feeling hands touching them without anyone touching them first and hearing disembodied voices echo through the club, with doors opening and closing unbidden! Ideally located on a riverbank for scenic riverfront walks as well as listening to live music performances!
LaLaurie Mansion
Tourists exploring the French Quarter at night often become transfixed by dramatic tales about its most haunted house – one such tale being about Madame Delphine LaLaurie, an influential Creole socialite rumored to have tortured slaves within her home.
Once her story of mistreatment went public following a kitchen fire in 1834, New Orleans newspapers made fun of her and her family left New Orleans in fear for their safety.
Since then, various people have owned this home, and ghost investigations have taken place there. Additionally, it was featured in some episodes of American Horror Story television series and I once joined a guide who was leading a tour group past it at Governor Nicholls and Royal Streets when all the outside lamps suddenly lit up! All paused; some even gasped.
Pharmacy Museum
The Pharmacy Museum may seem like an unassuming attraction at first glance, but it has become one of the city’s most mysterious spots. Housing antique apothecary jars and pharmaceutical artifacts from days gone by – yet its tales run deeper than you’d imagine!
Throughout the 19th century, yellow fever epidemics devastated Chicago. Hospitals were overburdened, cemeteries overflowing and people waiting for burial would need somewhere safe while they awaited burial – many makeshift morgues sprung up all around town, often converted from private homes but others such as that at 514 Chartres Street which now houses the Pharmacy Museum were necessary to provide temporary refuge.
At this museum, visitors can learn about the history and evolution of pharmacy; but when night comes, Dr. Dupas may appear and disturb pregnant women by placing books onto the shelves or pushing people away – even leading them to have physical reactions that mirror his presence!
French Quarter
New Orleans is home to many spirits ranging from voodoo queens and pirates to ghostly ghosts who inhabit its streets and haunt its neighborhoods, particularly its French Quarter, with its history of voodoo, slavery, and murders.
This eatery and bar was once used as a hospital during the American Civil War, and ghosts of Confederate soldiers have been reported haunting its halls. Other spirits have also been reported here including that of a lost bride seen sweeping away balcony debris or bartender who mysteriously vanishes when you ask for something.
Once home to Marie Laveau, one of the world’s best known Voodoo Queens, this building in Jackson Square has long been believed to be haunted by her spirit – who conducts wild voodoo ceremonies here and can often be found as a floating head or can be heard whispering into bathroom mirrors.
