The San Francisco Plantation
The San Francisco Plantation is located in New Orleans, Louisiana and has quite a descriptive history. Edmond Bozonier Marmillion constructed a grand mansion on the Mississippi River called the Marmillion Plantation. However, shortly after he completed the construction of the plantation he died, never having a chance to enjoy the beautiful plantation with his family. His son Charles was only 16 years old when he died and not too long after he was put into service for the Civil War. He became a captain in the Confederate Army and fought in many battles, including Gettysburg.
He was captured by the Union army but escaped, only to be captured again where he spent two years in captivity. When he was released, he went to live on the plantation with his brother Valsin. Valsin’s wife Louise spent so much money on renovations of the plantation that Valsin renamed it sans fruschin, which means “without a penny in my pocket.” Somehow years later, this was translated to San Francisco. Charles and Valsin saved the plantation from the economy following the war and started a successful sugar business. Suddenly, Valsin died in 1871 at the age of 44.
Charles did what he could do to continue the business and help Louise with her three daughters but a mere four years later he died as well at the age of 35. Louise then sold the plantation in 1879 because she was unable to run everything by herself. She left behind two of her daughters who died before the age of two in unmarked graves on the property. One of these girls died, falling down the stairs. The ghost of Charles Marmillion is believed to haunt the plantation, smoking his cigar as he roams the property. He has been seen in a long coat in the main-floor office, one of the bedrooms, and the dining room. Some people have also seen the ghosts of two little girls dressed in white playing with each other on the grounds, believed to be the daughters of Valsin and Louise.
(Source: Dwyer, Jeff. Ghost Hunter’s Guide to New Orleans. 2007.)
