Kermeen, Frances. "The Myrtles Plantation."
Ghostly Encounters: True Stories of America's Haunted Inns and Hotels. New York: Warner Books, Inc., 2002. 5-29. Print.
The Myrtles Plantation was first built in 1796 by General David Bradford, and has grown to contain over 5,000 acres of land. It contains a small pond and, of course, a large home full of galleries, Greek architecture, and detailed furnishings. While its picturesque landscape looks something like a painting, the presences throughout the house are much less welcoming. Numerous murders and deaths have taken place at this plantation throughout the centuries, and many of these people's souls linger. One of the first deaths belonged to a woman, Sarah, and her three children. While their maid intended to only make them a little sick, her poisoning of the three family members resulted in their death. Now, two of these children's spirits walk the grounds and even talk to guests who are unaware that they are ghosts. Along with these children are several other ghosts that walk the ground. Sightings of these spirits dancing, simply passing through, or even watching you sleep, have been reported. Doors are slammed, beds can float, and footsteps are also heard. Even throughout the daytime, these sounds and
apparitions are experienced by guests. This plantation now serves as an inn and presents ghost tours every Friday and Saturday night. However, this house use to hold murder mystery parties on a regular basis. Years before, Sarah Stirling's husband, William Winter, was brutally shot. As he drug himself up the staircase to reach his beloved Sarah, he did not make it past the seventh step before he died in her arms. Now, at night one can hear his trudges up each step and, if he or she is on the staircase at the time, it is said that one can feel the force of someone moving through them. Each room experiences different spirits and ghostly situations. All of these reports, encounters, and scenes have led to the Myrtles Plantation being "America's Most Haunted House" according to a number of sources, including the
Wall Street Journal. While most would be terrified, the house's previous owner, Frances Kermeen, has started to accept these ghosts. According to
Kermeen, "There is something more that
transcends time and space. To me, it's proof that there is a God, and that life goes on beyond this physical world. It's oddly comforting" (Kermeen 29).
Personally, I believe this chapter on Myrtles Plantation is true. First of all, because the author was a former owner of the house, she was able to provide detailed encounters and descriptions. She had an in-depth knowledge of the plantation's history. She explained numerous stories that led to the understanding of certain ghosts seen at the house. By presenting such history, I was able to believe that the stories were true instead of a legend. She also shared several different reports by many of the house's guests and made connections throughout them. By presenting such information and evidence, I found it easier to believe that these stories are real. Also, she listed specific names of guests that she referred to. Lastly, the
Wall Street Journal is a very reliable and respected newspaper throughout the United States. The fact that it specifically referred to Myrtles Plantation as being "America's Most Haunted House," has me almost entirely convinced that knowledge shared is true.
