New Orleans is a city filled with history, urban legends, and haunting tales that will leave any ghost enthusiast or paranormal investigator in awe. Some of these urban legends and spooky stories have yet to be debunked today. This city’s haunted past has made it one of the United States’ paranormal hot spots. New Orleans has a lot to offer for any ghost tour, from ghosts to serial killers and more.
But what stories have really made this haunted city stand out from the crowd, making it one of the top destinations for ghost tours? Today, we’ll explore some of the most famous tales and legends surrounding New Orleans that will leave you ready to book one of the best ghost tours in New Orleans.
The Voodoo Queen is said to haunt the French Quarter still
New Orleans’ voodoo culture has been thriving since around the 19th century. One of the most famous voodoo practitioners is none other than the Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau. Marie Laveau was actually a hairdresser and performed her voodoo rituals during her spare time. Many people claimed that Leveau could heal the sick and help people with her voodoo practices. When Laveau passed away, she was buried in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1.
To this day, many people say they’ve seen her spirit wandering around the graveyard at night. In addition, many people also believe that Marie Laveau can still help those in need with her voodoo practices from beyond the grave. Therefore, it’s a common tradition for people to visit her grave and ask for help. Supposedly, you ask Laveau for the help you need, draw three “X’s” on her grave, and knock. Then, she’ll grant you the wish you requested. If you see three “X’s” circled, it means that person’s wish was granted.
Vampires may stalk the streets of this haunted city
It may come as a surprise to some, but the legend of vampires is still very much alive in New Orleans. Some people still wholeheartedly believe that vampires are walking among them in New Orleans. The story that has solidified this belief surrounds two brothers from decades past. John and Wayne Carter were executed for killing numerous people in New Orleans. However, this is much more than the tale of a serial killer.
What exposed the brothers’ secret is a woman who escaped. She was covered in blood and ran from their home for help. When investigators checked out the situation, they found a home with roughly a dozen bodies stashed within, completely drained of all blood. After their execution, John and Wayne were buried in their family gravesite. However, not long afterward, the graves turned up empty and remain empty to this day. So, could the Carter brothers be vampires walking among us today, seeking their next meal?
Delphine LaLaurie left an unforgettable scar on the city
If you’re familiar with “American Horror Story,” or ghost stories in general, you’ve likely heard of Delphine LaLaurie. This real-life monster was responsible for the murders of countless enslaved people, including children. She transformed her mansion, known as the LaLaurie Mansion, into a makeshift torture chamber to inflict as much pain and suffering as she could on her unfortunate victims. A fire started by one of the mansion’s cooks, who was chained up in the kitchen, exposed LaLaurie’s crimes. She unfortunately fled to France and escaped justice. However, her victims may still haunt the property today, making the LaLaurie Mansion one of the most haunted spots in New Orleans.
Visit these haunting locations and many more in New Orleans
From a voodoo queen who grants wishes to vampires to a notorious serial killer, New Orleans has a storied past that earns it a spot as one of the most haunted places in America. If you want to check out some of these supernatural spots yourself, book a tour today.
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