Many once-thriving but now hauntingly silent abandoned towns can be found in Louisiana, a state known for its rich history and diverse culture. These abandoned communities, relics from long ago, arouse intrigue and a sense of mystery.
Here, We will explore the histories of these abandoned settlements by delving into Louisiana’s lesser-known regions. Come explore the eerie past of these once-thriving communities, from decaying buildings to lost stories.
Burrwood
This town was a major exporter of sugar cane and cotton in the 1880s. But in 1884, a terrible flood devastated much of the town and drove the locals out.
Today, the two-room schoolhouse and a line of deserted buildings are the sole reminders that this town was ever home to people. One of the many Louisiana ghost towns left abandoned and destroyed by water is Burrwood.
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Ruddock
Over the years, this region experienced numerous hurricanes. Numerous settlements made vain attempts to establish themselves in the region.
On April 30, 1812, Louisiana became the 18th state to join the Union. Historians believe Ruddock was created by the 19th century, while the exact year of its founding is uncertain. Yellow fever, cholera, and malaria were common diseases among the German colonists who lived in the area.
With the exception of a few building remnants and a railroad departure sign, the town has long vanished.
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Frenier
Julia Brown was a supposed witch who lived in the early 1900s. Her hometown was Frenier, a tiny town. In the hamlet, she carried out a variety of rites, such as those for delivering babies, warding off infections, and treating ailments.
When Julia cast a magic, people would come see her for healing from beyond the grave, and they would heal fast.
Over fifty people perished in Frenier, Louisiana, after a hurricane devastated the town in 1915. According to a local tale, the Voodoo priestess cursed the village. Many think that when she passed away, she cursed the town and took its residents with her.
The structures in the town are covered with rotting wood and overrun with plants. The tomb of the supposed witch and the memorials of the deceased are still visible.
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Bayou Corne
By August 2, 2012, Bayou Corne, a charming fishing village, had been totally devastated. When the sinkhole initially started eating it, locals noticed oil and bubbles flowing out of a nearby pit. The mercifully deserted building area was soon completely engulfed.
Almost little remains as of right now. One of the rare ghost towns in Louisiana where a sinkhole completely devastated the settlement is Bayou Corne.
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Sherburne
The town had once been a bustling neighborhood with a large number of structures and establishments. There was a post office, bakery, and two-room schoolhouse in the village. Sadly, the churches and the lumber mill that had stood there have since collapsed. Lack of timber caused many of the old buildings to be abandoned in the 1930s.
Vinyl chloride, a chemical that contaminated nearby water systems, was first produced by the Dow Chemical Company in 1958. Fearing lawsuits, village residents were compelled to surrender their houses to the corporation by the 1980s.
These days, the only buildings still standing are a historic plaque and a cemetery.
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To Conclude
The deserted towns of Louisiana serve as mute reminders of its turbulent and colorful history. Every locale provides a window into a bygone past, from Frenier, which is supposedly haunted by a vengeful witch, to Burrwood, which has been devastated by floodwaters.
The strength of the natural world, the frailty of human societies, and the unsolved mysteries of Louisiana’s past are all brought to light by these abandoned settlements.
Thus, the next time you’re in the Pelican State, think about straying from the main route to investigate these unsettling historical artifacts.
