December 20, 2024 • 11 mins
Explore the dark and haunted history of the infamous LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans' French Quarter, a site of chilling atrocities and paranormal activity. From the horrifying cruelty of Madame Delphine LaLaurie to ghostly apparitions, anguished screams, and mysterious cold spots, uncover the legends and supernatural encounters that make this mansion one of America’s most haunted locations. Dive into its grisly past, eerie sightings, and lasting cultural impact as a testament to human cruelty and the mysteries of the afterlife.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
The night. Air was thick with humidity as Beth and
her friends approached the imposing structure at eleven forty Royal
Street in New Orleans French Quarter. They had come seeking thrills,
drawn by the infamous reputation of the Lolori Mansion. As
they stood before the towering building, an overwhelming sense of
dread washed over them. The air grew heavy, and Beth
(00:22):
could have sworn she heard faint whispers carried on the breeze. Suddenly,
a blood curdling scream pierced the night, seeming to emanate
from within the mansion itself. The group froze, their hearts racing.
Was it just their imagination or had they truly heard
the anguished cry of one of the Lolori Mansion's many
restless spirits. Welcome to our podcast on the notorious Lelori Mansion,
(00:45):
a place where the veil between our world and the
next seems frighteningly thin. For nearly two centuries, this imposing
structure in the heart of New Orleans has been a
magnet for tales of horror, earning it the reputation as
one of the most haunted houses in in the United States.
But the Lolori mansion's dark history goes far beyond mere
ghost stories. It's a place where unspeakable cruelty occurred, where
(01:09):
the lines between fact and fiction blur, and where the
echoes of past atrocities continue to haunt the present. Our
story begins in eighteen thirty two, when doctor Lewis l.
Lourie and his wife, Madame Delphine Lelori, moved into the
grand Mansion at the corner of Royal and Governor Nichols Street.
Madame l Lorie was already a well known figure in
(01:29):
New Orleans society, famous for her beauty, charm, and lavish parties.
But behind the facade of southern gentility lurked a darkness
that would soon shock the entire city. From the beginning,
there were whispers about Madame l Loorie's treatment of her slaves.
Neighbours reported seeing her chasing a young slave girl with
a whip, pursuing her to the roof of the mansion.
(01:50):
In a desperate attempt to escape, the child leaped from
the roof, falling to her death on the cobblestones below.
This incident sparked an investigation by local authorities, but there
wasn't enough evidence to take action against the Lolories. For
two years, life at the mansion continued as normal, with
Madame La Larie hosting grand soirees for the cream of
New Orleans society. But on April tenth, eighteen thirty four,
(02:14):
everything changed. A fire broke out in the kitchen of
the Lalori mansion, allegedly started by an elderly slave woman
who had been chained to the stove. As the flames spread,
neighbors and firefighters rushed to the scene, breaking down doors
to rescue those trapped inside. What they discovered in the
attic of the mansion would haunt New Orleans for generations
(02:35):
to come. The rescuers found at least seven slaves imprisoned
in the attic, subjected to unimaginable tortures. Accounts described people
chained to the walls, their bodies mutilated and disfigured. Some
had been subjected to crude medical experiments, their bones broken
and reset in unnatural positions. Others were found in cages,
(02:56):
starved and covered in their own filth. The horror of
what was uncovered in the Lolori mansion sent shockwaves through
New Orleans. An enraged mob descended on the house, intent
on exacting revenge on Madame La Loorie, but she and
her husband had already fled, escaping in a carriage and
eventually making their way to Paris. The crowd, unable to
(03:16):
reach the lo Lories themselves, turned their fury on the mansion,
nearly demolishing it in their anger. In the days that followed,
newspapers across the country picked up the story. Madame Llorie
was described as a monster and a demon in the
shape of a woman. The Lolori Mansion, once a symbol
of wealth and refinement, became forever associated with cruelty and horror.
(03:39):
But the story of the Lolori Mansion doesn't end with
the flight of its infamous owners. In the years that followed,
the house took on a new life as one of
the most haunted locations in New Orleans. Visitors and residents
alike have reported a wide range of paranormal phenomena, from
disembodied screams and the sound of rattling chains to a
(04:00):
full bodied apparitions and unexplained cold spots. One of the
most commonly reported phenomena is the sound of agonized screams
echoing through the mansion, particularly at night. Many believe these
to be the cries of Madame Larie's victims, their spirits
still trapped in the place where they suffered such horrific abuse.
(04:20):
Others have reported hearing the crack of a whip or
the clinking of chains, ghostly echoes of the tortures inflicted
within the mansion's walls. Visual apparitions are also frequently reported
at the Lelori mansion. Some visitors claim to have seen
the ghost of a young girl, believed to be the
slave child who fell to her death while fleeing Madame Lalorie.
(04:41):
This spectral figure is often seen on the roof or
in the upper windows of the mansion, perhaps eternally reliving
her tragic end. Others have reported seeing shadowy figures moving
through the halls or peering out from windows, particularly at night.
These apparitions are often described as looking confused or distress,
perhaps the spirits of slaves still trapped in their place
(05:03):
of torment. The oppressive atmosphere of the Lalori mansion is
another frequently mentioned aspect of its haunting. Many visitors describe
feeling an overwhelming sense of dread or sadness upon entering
the property. Some have reported feeling watched by unseen eyes,
or experiencing sudden, inexplicable feelings of anger or fear. Physical
(05:25):
manifestations of the haunting have also been reported. Some visitors
claim to have been touched by unseen hands or felt
a cold breath on the back of their neck. Others
have experienced sudden, localized temperature drops often associated with paranormal activity.
The Lolori Mansion's reputation as a haunted location has drawn
(05:46):
numerous paranormal investigators over the years, each hoping to capture
definitive proof of supernatural activity. Many have reported capturing electronic
voice phenomena EVP during their investigations offen and picking up
what sound like whispers or cries when they review their
recordings later. Photographic evidence has also been presented, with some
(06:08):
investigators claiming to have captured orbs or even full bodied
apparitions in their pictures. However, as with all paranormal evidence,
these claims are often met with skepticism and debate. The
mansion's dark history and reputation for paranormal activity have made
it a popular stop on New Orleans many ghost tours
tour guides regale visitors with tales of the mansions gruesome
(06:30):
past and the many ghostly encounters reported there. Some even
claim to have had their own supernatural experiences while leading tours,
adding to the mansion's mystique. But not everyone is convinced
that the Lalori Mansion is truly haunted. Skeptics point out
that many of the reported phenomena can be explained by
natural causes, the old building creeks and settles creating strange noises.
(06:55):
The mansion's location in the heart of the French Quarter
with its busy night life, could account for some of
the unexplained sounds, and the power of suggestion, combined with
the mansion's infamous reputation, could lead people to interpret ordinary
occurrences as supernatural. Some historians have also questioned the veracity
of some of the more sensational claims about Madame la
(07:16):
Larie's cruelty. While there's no doubt that she mistreated her slaves,
some argue that the stories have been exaggerated over time,
embellished to make for more exciting ghost tours and spooky tales.
Yet even skeptics find it hard to entirely dismiss the
sheer volume of strange occurrences reported at the Lolori Mansion.
The house seems to have a way of getting under
(07:38):
people's skin, leaving even the most rational visitors with a
sense of unease. The influence of the Lolori Mansion extends
far beyond its physical boundaries in the French Quarter. It
has become a significant part of New Orleans folklore, A
cautionary tale about the dark underbelly of the Antebellum South.
The story of Madame Llorie and her House of Horrors,
(07:59):
as in inspired countless books, articles, and even television shows.
The mansion was featured prominently in the third season of
American Horror Story, introducing a new generation to its chilling history.
In many ways, the Lalori Mansion serves as a physical
reminder of a shameful chapter in American history. It stands
as a testament to the cruelties of slavery and the
(08:21):
capacity for human beings to inflict unimaginable suffering on one another.
Perhaps this is why its ghosts, whether real or metaphorical,
continue to haunt us to this day. The mansion has
changed hands many times over the years, serving variously as
a private residence, a school, a music conservatory, and even
a furniture store. Each new owner has had to contend
(08:43):
with the property's dark reputation and the curious onlookers it attracts.
Some have embraced the mansion's notoriety, while others have tried
to distance themselves from its grim past. One notable owner
was actor Nicholas Cage, who purchased the mansion in two
thousand seven. Cage, known for his interest in the supernatural,
reportedly never spent a night in the house due to
(09:05):
its reputation. He lost the property to foreclosure in two
thousand nine, adding another chapter to the mansion's long and
troubled history. To day, the Lolori Mansion is privately owned
and not open to the public. Visitors can only view
the exterior from the street, but that doesn't stop it
from being one of the most photographed buildings in the
(09:25):
French Quarter. Its imposing facade continues to draw curious onlookers,
each hoping to catch a glimpse of something other worldly
in its windows. As night falls over New Orleans and
the gas lamps flicker to life in the French Quarter,
the Lolori Mansion takes on an even more sinister aspect.
The shadows seem to deepen, and many swear they can
(09:47):
hear the faint sound of weeping carried on the breeze.
It's in these quiet hours that the line between past
and present, between the living and the dead, seems to blur.
For those who have visited the Lolori Mansion, the experien
often lingers long after they've left. Many report feeling watched
even after returning home, as if they've brought a piece
(10:07):
of the mansion's dark energy back with them. Some even
claim to have experienced paranormal activity in their own homes
after visiting, as if the spirits of the Lolori Mansion
have followed them. As our journey through the dark history
and legends of the Lolori Mansion comes to an end,
we're left with more questions than answers. Is this truly
(10:27):
a place where the veil between our world and the
next is thin? Are the anguished cries heard in the
night the voices of Madame Lalorie's victims, or simply the
product of overactive imaginations fueled by a tragic history. Perhaps
the true power of the Lolori Mansion lies not in
whether its ghosts are real, but in its ability to
(10:48):
confront us with the darker aspects of our own history.
In a city known for its jouar de viva, the
mansion stands as a stark reminder of the cruelty and
injustice that once thrived behind closes doors. As you turn
off this podcast and go about your day, consider this
the next time you find yourself in New Orleans strolling
(11:08):
through the French Quarter as the sun sets and the
shadows Lengthen will you be able to resist looking up
at the windows of eleven hundred and forty Royal Street
wondering what secrets they might hold? And if you do
catch a glimpse of a pale face peering out from
behind the glass, will you be able to convince yourself
it was just a trick of the light. Sleep tight,
(11:28):
dear listeners, and perhaps think twice before dismissing that chill
that runs down your spine as you pass an old
house with a dark history. After all, in a world
where the echoes of past atrocities can linger for centuries,
who's to say what other horrors might be hiding behind
seemingly ordinary facades. Sweet dreams, if you can manage them.
(11:49):
This has been a Quiet Please production. Please visit us
at Quiet Please dot ai for more haunting thrilling and
mysterious podcasts. Thank you for listening.
The night. Air was thick with humidity as Beth and
her friends approached the imposing structure at eleven forty Royal
Street in New Orleans French Quarter. They had come seeking thrills,
drawn by the infamous reputation of the Lolori Mansion. As
they stood before the towering building, an overwhelming sense of
dread washed over them. The air grew heavy, and Beth
(00:22):
could have sworn she heard faint whispers carried on the breeze. Suddenly,
a blood curdling scream pierced the night, seeming to emanate
from within the mansion itself. The group froze, their hearts racing.
Was it just their imagination or had they truly heard
the anguished cry of one of the Lolori Mansion's many
restless spirits. Welcome to our podcast on the notorious Lelori Mansion,
(00:45):
a place where the veil between our world and the
next seems frighteningly thin. For nearly two centuries, this imposing
structure in the heart of New Orleans has been a
magnet for tales of horror, earning it the reputation as
one of the most haunted houses in in the United States.
But the Lolori mansion's dark history goes far beyond mere
ghost stories. It's a place where unspeakable cruelty occurred, where
(01:09):
the lines between fact and fiction blur, and where the
echoes of past atrocities continue to haunt the present. Our
story begins in eighteen thirty two, when doctor Lewis l.
Lourie and his wife, Madame Delphine Lelori, moved into the
grand Mansion at the corner of Royal and Governor Nichols Street.
Madame l Lorie was already a well known figure in
(01:29):
New Orleans society, famous for her beauty, charm, and lavish parties.
But behind the facade of southern gentility lurked a darkness
that would soon shock the entire city. From the beginning,
there were whispers about Madame l Loorie's treatment of her slaves.
Neighbours reported seeing her chasing a young slave girl with
a whip, pursuing her to the roof of the mansion.
(01:50):
In a desperate attempt to escape, the child leaped from
the roof, falling to her death on the cobblestones below.
This incident sparked an investigation by local authorities, but there
wasn't enough evidence to take action against the Lolories. For
two years, life at the mansion continued as normal, with
Madame La Larie hosting grand soirees for the cream of
New Orleans society. But on April tenth, eighteen thirty four,
(02:14):
everything changed. A fire broke out in the kitchen of
the Lalori mansion, allegedly started by an elderly slave woman
who had been chained to the stove. As the flames spread,
neighbors and firefighters rushed to the scene, breaking down doors
to rescue those trapped inside. What they discovered in the
attic of the mansion would haunt New Orleans for generations
(02:35):
to come. The rescuers found at least seven slaves imprisoned
in the attic, subjected to unimaginable tortures. Accounts described people
chained to the walls, their bodies mutilated and disfigured. Some
had been subjected to crude medical experiments, their bones broken
and reset in unnatural positions. Others were found in cages,
(02:56):
starved and covered in their own filth. The horror of
what was uncovered in the Lolori mansion sent shockwaves through
New Orleans. An enraged mob descended on the house, intent
on exacting revenge on Madame La Loorie, but she and
her husband had already fled, escaping in a carriage and
eventually making their way to Paris. The crowd, unable to
(03:16):
reach the lo Lories themselves, turned their fury on the mansion,
nearly demolishing it in their anger. In the days that followed,
newspapers across the country picked up the story. Madame Llorie
was described as a monster and a demon in the
shape of a woman. The Lolori Mansion, once a symbol
of wealth and refinement, became forever associated with cruelty and horror.
(03:39):
But the story of the Lolori Mansion doesn't end with
the flight of its infamous owners. In the years that followed,
the house took on a new life as one of
the most haunted locations in New Orleans. Visitors and residents
alike have reported a wide range of paranormal phenomena, from
disembodied screams and the sound of rattling chains to a
(04:00):
full bodied apparitions and unexplained cold spots. One of the
most commonly reported phenomena is the sound of agonized screams
echoing through the mansion, particularly at night. Many believe these
to be the cries of Madame Larie's victims, their spirits
still trapped in the place where they suffered such horrific abuse.
(04:20):
Others have reported hearing the crack of a whip or
the clinking of chains, ghostly echoes of the tortures inflicted
within the mansion's walls. Visual apparitions are also frequently reported
at the Lelori mansion. Some visitors claim to have seen
the ghost of a young girl, believed to be the
slave child who fell to her death while fleeing Madame Lalorie.
(04:41):
This spectral figure is often seen on the roof or
in the upper windows of the mansion, perhaps eternally reliving
her tragic end. Others have reported seeing shadowy figures moving
through the halls or peering out from windows, particularly at night.
These apparitions are often described as looking confused or distress,
perhaps the spirits of slaves still trapped in their place
(05:03):
of torment. The oppressive atmosphere of the Lalori mansion is
another frequently mentioned aspect of its haunting. Many visitors describe
feeling an overwhelming sense of dread or sadness upon entering
the property. Some have reported feeling watched by unseen eyes,
or experiencing sudden, inexplicable feelings of anger or fear. Physical
(05:25):
manifestations of the haunting have also been reported. Some visitors
claim to have been touched by unseen hands or felt
a cold breath on the back of their neck. Others
have experienced sudden, localized temperature drops often associated with paranormal activity.
The Lolori Mansion's reputation as a haunted location has drawn
(05:46):
numerous paranormal investigators over the years, each hoping to capture
definitive proof of supernatural activity. Many have reported capturing electronic
voice phenomena EVP during their investigations offen and picking up
what sound like whispers or cries when they review their
recordings later. Photographic evidence has also been presented, with some
(06:08):
investigators claiming to have captured orbs or even full bodied
apparitions in their pictures. However, as with all paranormal evidence,
these claims are often met with skepticism and debate. The
mansion's dark history and reputation for paranormal activity have made
it a popular stop on New Orleans many ghost tours
tour guides regale visitors with tales of the mansions gruesome
(06:30):
past and the many ghostly encounters reported there. Some even
claim to have had their own supernatural experiences while leading tours,
adding to the mansion's mystique. But not everyone is convinced
that the Lalori Mansion is truly haunted. Skeptics point out
that many of the reported phenomena can be explained by
natural causes, the old building creeks and settles creating strange noises.
(06:55):
The mansion's location in the heart of the French Quarter
with its busy night life, could account for some of
the unexplained sounds, and the power of suggestion, combined with
the mansion's infamous reputation, could lead people to interpret ordinary
occurrences as supernatural. Some historians have also questioned the veracity
of some of the more sensational claims about Madame la
(07:16):
Larie's cruelty. While there's no doubt that she mistreated her slaves,
some argue that the stories have been exaggerated over time,
embellished to make for more exciting ghost tours and spooky tales.
Yet even skeptics find it hard to entirely dismiss the
sheer volume of strange occurrences reported at the Lolori Mansion.
The house seems to have a way of getting under
(07:38):
people's skin, leaving even the most rational visitors with a
sense of unease. The influence of the Lolori Mansion extends
far beyond its physical boundaries in the French Quarter. It
has become a significant part of New Orleans folklore, A
cautionary tale about the dark underbelly of the Antebellum South.
The story of Madame Llorie and her House of Horrors,
(07:59):
as in inspired countless books, articles, and even television shows.
The mansion was featured prominently in the third season of
American Horror Story, introducing a new generation to its chilling history.
In many ways, the Lalori Mansion serves as a physical
reminder of a shameful chapter in American history. It stands
as a testament to the cruelties of slavery and the
(08:21):
capacity for human beings to inflict unimaginable suffering on one another.
Perhaps this is why its ghosts, whether real or metaphorical,
continue to haunt us to this day. The mansion has
changed hands many times over the years, serving variously as
a private residence, a school, a music conservatory, and even
a furniture store. Each new owner has had to contend
(08:43):
with the property's dark reputation and the curious onlookers it attracts.
Some have embraced the mansion's notoriety, while others have tried
to distance themselves from its grim past. One notable owner
was actor Nicholas Cage, who purchased the mansion in two
thousand seven. Cage, known for his interest in the supernatural,
reportedly never spent a night in the house due to
(09:05):
its reputation. He lost the property to foreclosure in two
thousand nine, adding another chapter to the mansion's long and
troubled history. To day, the Lolori Mansion is privately owned
and not open to the public. Visitors can only view
the exterior from the street, but that doesn't stop it
from being one of the most photographed buildings in the
(09:25):
French Quarter. Its imposing facade continues to draw curious onlookers,
each hoping to catch a glimpse of something other worldly
in its windows. As night falls over New Orleans and
the gas lamps flicker to life in the French Quarter,
the Lolori Mansion takes on an even more sinister aspect.
The shadows seem to deepen, and many swear they can
(09:47):
hear the faint sound of weeping carried on the breeze.
It's in these quiet hours that the line between past
and present, between the living and the dead, seems to blur.
For those who have visited the Lolori Mansion, the experien
often lingers long after they've left. Many report feeling watched
even after returning home, as if they've brought a piece
(10:07):
of the mansion's dark energy back with them. Some even
claim to have experienced paranormal activity in their own homes
after visiting, as if the spirits of the Lolori Mansion
have followed them. As our journey through the dark history
and legends of the Lolori Mansion comes to an end,
we're left with more questions than answers. Is this truly
(10:27):
a place where the veil between our world and the
next is thin? Are the anguished cries heard in the
night the voices of Madame Lalorie's victims, or simply the
product of overactive imaginations fueled by a tragic history. Perhaps
the true power of the Lolori Mansion lies not in
whether its ghosts are real, but in its ability to
(10:48):
confront us with the darker aspects of our own history.
In a city known for its jouar de viva, the
mansion stands as a stark reminder of the cruelty and
injustice that once thrived behind closes doors. As you turn
off this podcast and go about your day, consider this
the next time you find yourself in New Orleans strolling
(11:08):
through the French Quarter as the sun sets and the
shadows Lengthen will you be able to resist looking up
at the windows of eleven hundred and forty Royal Street
wondering what secrets they might hold? And if you do
catch a glimpse of a pale face peering out from
behind the glass, will you be able to convince yourself
it was just a trick of the light. Sleep tight,
(11:28):
dear listeners, and perhaps think twice before dismissing that chill
that runs down your spine as you pass an old
house with a dark history. After all, in a world
where the echoes of past atrocities can linger for centuries,
who's to say what other horrors might be hiding behind
seemingly ordinary facades. Sweet dreams, if you can manage them.
(11:49):
This has been a Quiet Please production. Please visit us
at Quiet Please dot ai for more haunting thrilling and
mysterious podcasts. Thank you for listening.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.