Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or not, there’s something about a ghost story that draws us in. Louisiana has plenty of allegedly haunted places that draw in people from all walks of life, like the Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville or Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop in New Orleans. There’s one paranormal hotspot in DeRidder that might just be one of the most haunted places in the country, and it’ll give you the creeps.
The Beauregard Parish Jail certainly stands out as you’re driving in DeRidder.
Gothic Jail/Google Built in 1914, the Gothic Revival-style jail is also known as the Gothic Jail or Hanging Jail and is open for tours daily, but more on that in a minute.
The unique jail could hold 50 prisoners when it was in use.
HAVIS Adventures/Google The jail remained in operation until 1981 and has since been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Not only was the architectural design unique for the time, but this jail was one of the first to include a toilet, shower, lavatory, and a window in each cell.
HAVIS Adventures/Google
There was even a tunnel that led from the jail to the courthouse that was used to transport the prisoners to and from trial.
HAVIS Adventures/Google
The jail is said to be haunted by two men who were hanged for their crimes.
HAVIS Adventures/Google
In 1928, Joe Genna and Molton Brasseaux were hanged for the murder of Joe Brevelle.
HAVIS Adventures/Google Two years prior, Gonna and Brasseaux killed Brevelle, who worked as a taxi driver, and stole his money before dumping his body in a nearby pond.
It was the first double execution in the history of Beauregard Parish, and the first and only hanging to occur in the prison, despite it being referred to as the Hanging Jail.
HAVIS Adventures/Google
Many believe there are some prisoners that never left.
HAVIS Adventures/Google Inmates from the past are said to haunt this paranormal spot, and two of the main spirits are believed to be Genna and Brasseaux.
Many people who visit the jail have reported hearing disembodied voices, feeling like they’re being pushed, and some people have even seen apparitions.
HAVIS Adventures/Google There are also several spooky photographs where things just don’t quite add up.
The Beauregard Tourist Commission Office offers daily tours as well as weekend night lantern tours, if you’re up for it.
Yaya Johnson/Google Don’t worry, they offer daytime tours too!
Check out their Facebook for more information. If you’ve ever visited the Gothic Jail, share your (paranormal) experience with us in the comments below!
Gothic Jail/Google
Built in 1914, the Gothic Revival-style jail is also known as the Gothic Jail or Hanging Jail and is open for tours daily, but more on that in a minute.
HAVIS Adventures/Google
The jail remained in operation until 1981 and has since been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Two years prior, Gonna and Brasseaux killed Brevelle, who worked as a taxi driver, and stole his money before dumping his body in a nearby pond.
Inmates from the past are said to haunt this paranormal spot, and two of the main spirits are believed to be Genna and Brasseaux.
There are also several spooky photographs where things just don’t quite add up.
Yaya Johnson/Google
Don’t worry, they offer daytime tours too!
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Address: Gothic Jail, 205 W 1st St, DeRidder, LA 70634, USA
