Urban Legends in Louisiana

In Louisiana, there are many haunting stories. Here are 8 of the most notorious urban legends and folktales alive and well in the state. There’s even one story that’s totally legendary–but in this case is actually true!

The Tunnels Under LSU

Legends abound about the uses of the underground tunnels beneath buildings on LSU’s campus. Some say it is a secret military base as well as a CIA field office. Others claim that they are haunted by the indigenous people who built the mounds in the center of LSU’s campus over 5000 years ago.

Ellerbe Road School in Caddo Parish

There are various unconfirmed rumors about the former George Washington Carver High, an African-American school in Caddo Parish. Reports of the school being in terrible disrepair also say children disappeared there. Others say a janitor molested and abducted some students. Still others say the school is haunted.

The Devil Man of Algiers

1938, a “Devil Man” was said to be roaming the streets of Algiers and harassing couples. He was said to have long black horns, bright pink ears shaped like stars, and huge cartoonish eyes. While he never killed anyone permanently, he was said to induce ‘temporary deaths’. Many report having their lives flash before their eyes when meeting him.

 

Wild Mouse Roller Coaster, Baton Rouge

Before there was Dixie Landin’, there was Fun Fair Park, an amusement park that included a roller coaster called the “Wild Mouse”. Legend has it that the roller coaster was shut down after someone was decapitated during one of the rides.

Rougarou aka the Loup-Garou

This famous half man/half wolf from Louisiana folk stories is said to stalk the swamps or wander the streets seeking human blood, especially the blood of those who have not been behaving appropriately. Some even say that those attacked by the Rougarou will eventually become one, especially if they tell others about their wounds. There are countless folk tales involving Loup Garou.

The Haunting of Spanish Moon Bar

Before becoming a popular bar, this location was said to have been a temporary morgue during the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. Now it's said that people can hear ghosts knocking at night.

The Grunch

Legend has it that in what is now New Orleans east, a group of exiled and ridiculed little people and albino individuals created a society, The Grunch, to escape the cruelness they experienced in society. Some say that the community became evil and insane, sacrificing and torturing animals.

Brain-Eating Amoeba in St. Bernard Parish Water Supply

Stories were swirling when it was reported that a 4 year old boy had died from a flesh eating amoeba in 2013. Turns out the stories were true! The amoeba Naegleria fowleri can cause a serious and often fatal brain infection if it's able to enter the body through the nose. This amoeba was found in the water supply recently again in St. Bernard Parish.

Are you scared to visit Louisiana?!