Bourbon Street Spirits

Perhaps one of the most famous streets in the United States, is Rue Bourbon in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Known for it's party atmosphere and twenty-four hour bars, this street is filled with more than just the alcohol type spirits.

Extending from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue, Bourbon Street was laid out in 1721 by Adrien de Pauger and named after France's ruling family, the House Bourbon. Prior to 1900, the street was a prime area for residential homes. Many famous restaurants were built up in the area, as was the red-light district. Bourbon Street, along with all of the French Quarter, saw it's fair share of tragedy such as many bouts of Yellow Fever, to Hurricane Katrina. With so much rich and amazing history, it is no wonder why various establishments along this street are claimed to be haunted.

One of the oldest bars on Bourbon Street is The Old Absinthe House, which was originally built in 1752, and rebuilt in 1807 after the Great Friday Fire that swept through city in 1788. Located at 240 Bourbon Street, the location is famous for being the meeting location of the pirate Jean Lafitte and General Andrew Jackson prior to the Battle of 1815. It is said that their spirits still frequent the location.

The spirit of Voodoo Queen Marie Leveau is said to be seen from time to time, as well as a woman in a long white dress. Employees have also reported a spirit of a child that runs around. Doors opening and closing on their own, sudden drops in temperature and objects moving on their own have just become daily routine for this historic location.

Rated as one of the top haunted hotels in New Orleans, the Bourbon Orleans Hotel stands on the location of a former ballroom and theater, which was later turned into a convent in the 1800s. The many spirits that wander the halls include a Confederate Soldier and a little girl who likes to roll a ball on the sixth floor. There is also a lone dancer who still enjoys the beauty of the historic ballroom. With the vast amounts of history, and reported spirits, there really isn't an area of the hotel that isn't haunted.

One of the oldest surviving structures in the French Quarter is Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop. Built in the 1770s as residential home, the location is reported to later have been a business owned by Jean Lafitte. Jean Lafitte's spirit is said to be a frequent sight as he is often seen standing in the dark corners, especially near the fireplace. A mysterious, unnamed woman is seen on the second floor. Although she is not seen as frequently as Lafitte, she is reported to be quite talkative to those who encounter her. Another mysterious phenomena that occurs here are the reports of piercing red eyes. No face or body are reported with these red eyes. They just appear to guests before slowly fading away.

Come to New Orleans and visit Bourbon Street. While you're enjoying the alcoholic spirits at one of the many bars, be sure to be on the look out for some unexplainable spirits too.