Beauregard Parish Jail (Gothic Jail) – Haunted Jail in DeRidder, Louisiana
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> Beauregard Parish Jail (Gothic Jail) – Haunted Jail in DeRidder, Louisiana
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Full Address: 205 W 1st St, DeRidder, LA 70634, United States
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The Beauregard Parish Jail, also known as the Gothic Jail, is one of Louisiana’s most chilling haunted locations. This fortress-like structure, built in the early 20th century, served as the parish jail for decades.
Its unique architecture, resembling a medieval castle, hides a dark past filled with violence, executions, and tragedy. The eerie atmosphere and reports of ghostly activity make it a hotspot for paranormal investigators and thrill-seekers.
Historical Background
- Year Built: 1914
- Original Purpose: Parish Jail
- Significant Events:
- The most infamous event in the jail’s history was the execution of two men, Joe Genna and Molton Brasseaux, in 1928. Convicted of brutally murdering a local taxi driver, their execution by hanging took place inside the jail itself. According to local lore, the hanging was botched, causing an agonizingly slow death. Many believe their restless spirits still haunt the building.
- Inmates reported mysterious deaths, suicides, and violent altercations within the jail walls, further fueling tales of supernatural activity.
Paranormal Activity Summary
Visitors and staff have reported chilling paranormal encounters, including:
- Disembodied voices and whispers echoing through the stone hallways.
- Heavy footsteps heard on the upper floors, even when no one is present.
- Cell doors slamming shut on their own.
- Cold spots and sudden temperature drops in various parts of the building.
- The ghostly figures of two men, believed to be the executed convicts, have been seen standing near the old gallows.
- Some have even reported a phantom noose appearing in the air, a grim reminder of the jail’s dark past.
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Ghost Stories & Reports
The Spirits of the Executed Inmates
The spirits of Joe Genna and Molton Brasseaux are among the most frequently reported apparitions. Witnesses claim to see shadowy figures lingering near their former cells. Some have even reported hearing a voice whispering, “I didn’t do it,” in the dead of night.
The Warden’s Curse
According to local legend, a former warden who was notorious for his cruelty still haunts the jail. Visitors report an unseen force pushing them near his old office and an overwhelming sense of dread in that area.
The Crying Woman
Multiple visitors have described hearing the soft weeping of a woman late at night, though no records suggest a female prisoner was ever housed there. Some speculate it could be the spirit of a grieving widow whose husband met a tragic end behind these walls.
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Most Haunted Spot Inside
The execution chamber is by far the most terrifying part of the jail. This is where the infamous hangings took place, and many visitors claim to feel an overwhelming sense of despair and suffocation when standing beneath the gallows. Some have even reported seeing the rope swaying on its own, as if an unseen force still lingers.
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Can You Visit?
- Open to the Public? Yes
- Entry Fee: Varies based on tour type
- Tour Availability: Guided historical and paranormal tours are available, with special nighttime ghost hunts.
- Photography Allowed? Yes, but some areas may have restrictions.
- Visiting Hours: Varies, but nighttime tours are the most popular for ghost hunters.
Best Time to Visit
Most paranormal activity is reported during the fall and winter months, especially around late October, when the anniversary of the infamous execution looms. Late-night visits are considered the best time for those hoping to experience ghostly encounters.
Paranormal Investigations & Findings
The Beauregard Parish Jail has been investigated by multiple paranormal research teams. Some have captured EVP (electronic voice phenomena) recordings of whispering voices, while others claim to have witnessed shadow figures darting through the hallways. The jail has even been featured on paranormal TV shows, cementing its reputation as one of the most haunted locations in Louisiana.
Safety Warnings & Legal Restrictions
- While the building is open for tours, certain areas are off-limits due to structural concerns.
- Visitors are warned not to provoke spirits, as some investigators have reported sudden physical discomfort or unexplained bruises after their visits.
Would you dare to step inside this eerie Gothic Jail and face the spirits that still linger?