Nestled right in the French Quarter is the beautiful Greek Revival residence known as the Beauregard-Keyes House.
While the home is beautiful, the vibes people get when entering the property are nothing short of unsettling. As a result, it’s an excellent attraction for those interested in haunted America.
You can discover this dreadful past on a tour of ghastly New Orleans with US Ghost Adventures.
Gruesome Fits and Starts
Several individuals have owned the house over the centuries, and the frequent changes in ownership may have to do with the history of madness that stains the grounds.
The origin story starts at the start of the 18th century. The plot of land that the Beauregard-Keyes would eventually occupy was initially for an armory for New Orleans. However, the land was transferred to a group of French Ursaline nuns by the King of France himself.
The nuns occupied the location until Joseph Le Carpentier purchased it in 1825. Le Carpentier had plans to construct his dream home. Unfortunately, it would be anything but a dream.
Le Carpentier’s grandson, Paul Morphy, lived in the house. Some know of Morphy as the greatest chess player to ever live. But others know of Morphy’s madness.
One evening, Morphy shocked the townspeople when he ran out of the house stark naked with an ax, screaming that demons were after him. Many claimed that the house’s sinister atmosphere drove him to madness, and he was never the same again.
Troubles Plague the Land
Le Carpentier eventually sold the property to John Merle and his wife, both Swiss immigrants. Madame Merle made significant changes to the house, incorporating a massive garden in the back lot with a few other aesthetic touches.
Massive gardens were typical during that time as the French Quarter was known to smell unpleasant. What’s more, having a large garden would let the Creoles know that the family was humble. The Creoles weren’t too fond of the materialistic behavior of Americans, and most resented them for it.
Madame Merle transformed the property into a perfect blend of French and American design. However, they, too, ended up selling the house due to financial troubles. It seemed no one could stay on the property and make it a peaceful home.