If a building has withstood the tests of time, there are sure to be accounts of paranormal activity. Southwest Louisiana's rich history is filled with quirky stories about the citizens in the area. While some tales may seem too good to be true, these locations have actual events to support their authenticity. Uncover the fascinating legends of the previous inhabitants of these historic locations during Halloween and year-round.
Haunted Sites
Spiritual Presence: The Woman in White
Downtown Lake Charles is the backdrop of many festivals and events in Lake Charles. Spectators have allegedly seen "The Woman in White" at weddings, art shows, performances, and rehearsals at the Lake Charles Event Center and Rosa Hart Theatre. A phantom in white, possibly a jilted bride, is said to be roaming the area even along Shell Beach Drive.
Myth: In the early 1900s a woman allegedly lost her lover, a Gerstner pilot, during World War I. Unable to cope with the loss she ended her life by jumping off of the pier near the lakefront, drowning herself in Lake Charles.
While it may be haunted, the Rosa Hart Theatre is still a great place to attend a performance! Check out our event calendar for upcoming shows. For more information about the Rosa Hart Theatre tune in to episode 28 of the Louisiana's Playground Podcast.
Spiritual Presence: The Gatekeeper
Big Woods Cemetery | 3925 Big Woods Cemetery Road in Vinton
A dark shadow in the loose form of a man is said to be guarding the Big Woods cemetery's main gate. Visitors have reported being chased by a vintage truck from the property only to find their cars with failed engines. The cemetery has been used since the early 1800s, with the Antioch Cemetery being added to the property. While it's tempting to visit the cemetery in the evening, please note that no visitors are allowed after hours.
Myth: Locals assume that the paranormal spirits in the cemetery don't want new burials on the lands. Thus, The Gatekeeper is said to be keeping out new residents. Perhaps he's guarding visitors from something more sinister!
Spiritual Presence: Toni Jo Henry
Calcasieu Parish Courthouse | 1000 Ryan Street in Downtown Lake Charles
Toni Jo met Claude "Cowboy" Henry, a former prize fighter while working at a gentleman's club in Shreveport, Louisiana. The two quickly fell in love, married, and embarked on a honeymoon to California. Upon returning home, Cowboy was arrested for a murder he committed before their marriage. Intent on breaking her husband out of prison, Toni Jo recruited the help of ex-con Harold "Arkie" Burks because he claimed to know the prison's layout.
Toni Jo and Arkie enlisted help to rob a gun store for ammunition then hitchhiked with Joseph P. Calloway. Since they needed a getaway car and Toni Jo needed an extra set of clothes for her husband, she and Arkie robbed and later killed Joseph Calloway. Later on, Toni Jo confessed to murder and was sentenced to execution by hanging. While she was appealing her guilty verdict and sentencing the first time, the state of Louisiana's execution method changed from hanging to death by electrocution. Her initial appeal was denied as well as her follow-up attempt.
Once Cowboy heard of her intended fate, he escaped prison to see her one last time. He was arrested again four days before Toni Jo's execution. The execution took place in the basement of the courthouse. Toni Jo remains the sole woman to be executed by the electric chair in Louisiana.
Myth: Locals and employees have reported paranormal experiences. From simple occurrences like misplaced items and unexplained locked doors to more spine-chilling happenings like footsteps, whiffs of perfume, burnt hair, and screams. Toni Jo is said to roam the halls and cause mischief, furious that she never reunited with her husband.
Hear Toni Jo's story and meet other historical figures from Southwest Louisiana at the annual Living History Cemetery Tour.
Halloween in Lake Charles
If you enjoy spooks, frights, and paranormal investigations, tune into the Spirt Guides channel on Youtube. These local paranormal investigators visit seemingly haunted locations in the South and document their authentic encounters. During spooky season you can embark on The Lost Hollows Trail for a chilling journey through the darkest woods of Southwest Louisiana.
While these paranormal experiences may or may not be true, the locations are still open today. Visit the allegedly haunted sites, but brace yourself for extra visitors! For more seasonal events, check out Halloween in Lake Charles, Top Things to Do in October, and our event calendar.
