Haunted History Tour: Saturday, Oct. 18 from 6-9 p.m.
September 10, 2008
NHF HAUNTED HISTORY TOUR OF NATCHITOCHES
What’s so scary about Natchitoches history? You’ll have an opportunity to find out on Saturday, Oct. 18, when the Natchitoches Historic Foundation presents its first Haunted History Tour in American Cemetery on Second St.
This event grows out of the Sacred Places Tour NHF has traditionally held in the spring, but focuses on some of the more dramatic events in Natchitoches history. Local actors will portray the people that were central to these events at stations around American Cemetery. In many cases, these stations will be located near the graves of those being portrayed.
One of the more famous events that to be re-enacted will be the assassination of Theodore Poleman, the former Natchitoches mayor who was killed by E.S. Cropper over the issue of well rights on Nov. 14, 1922.
Another interesting re-enactment will be that of the duel between General F. Gaiennie and Congressman Pierre Bossier in the 1800s. The duel was originally held at what is now called Cherokee plantation. According to local legend, the event caused such political tumult that eleven more citizens died in the fall out, including Bossier himself in 1844.
There will also be an appearance by what’s probably the most famous ghost in Natchitoches. According to legend, Isabella was a French maiden who committed suicide when her lover was killed in a duel. Today she is known as the Ghost of Normal Hill and traditionally inhabits the oldest building on the Northwestern State University campus. Over the course of the last century, she’s had to move a number of times due to building fires. She now resides at Lee H. Nelson Hall (formerly the women’s gym) where the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training is headquartered. Nelson Hall caught fire when it was being renovated to house NCPTT–and Isabella.
An interesting bonus for this year’s tour will be a station featuring members of Spirit Hunters Paranormal Investigators, which is a non-profit group based here in Louisiana. According to their website, Spirit Hunters is “a serious group of individuals dedicated to the study of paranormal activity, and the education of others through our findings.” Prior to the tour, a team from the organization will investigate paranormal activity at the American Cemetery and then present their findings during the tour. Perhaps they can find out if Isabella had a history of pyromania!
A few years ago, I went with some of the NHF board members to see the famous Natchez City Cemetery tour. While Natchez is bigger, the tour at American Cemetery goes toe-to-toe with it in terms of quality. It’s worth your time, especially if our nice fall weather holds up. It’s a very different and entertaining way to connect to Natchitoches heritage. And how many opportunities do we have to witness outdoor theater?
The tour will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased from the Natchitoches Tourist Commission at 781 Front St. or by calling them at (800) 259-1714. Tickets will also be available for purchase at American Cemetery during the tour.
Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.
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