La Tech Jack Howard Auditorium - Ruston, LA (A Killer Performance!)

305 Wisteria St.

Ruston, LA 71272

32.526209,-92.646836

            In addition to the previously mentioned Biomedical Engineering Building, the campus of Louisiana Tech is probably most known for its haunting of another building. The Jack Howard Auditorium, built in 1940, has hosted popular performances by up and coming performing arts students and musicians throughout the years. As the sounds of recitals and plays echo throughout the building, ghostly spectators observe from afar. Students who have worked in the theatre during late hours have reported seeing the figure of a woman sitting in the seats. They have also heard strange sounds and witnessed lights turn on and off. The most common occurrence is for the theatre seats to be folded down, even after they have all been placed in the upright position. Staff make it a chore to ensure that all of the seats are raised. Minutes after they do so, they notice that the same one or two seats are always placed back down.
            For years, the urban legends of the auditorium have stayed the same. Two female students by the name of Jan and Vera were roommates. They both tried out for the school play and Jan was cast in the lead role. Vera became so upset she hanged herself along the rafters of Howard Auditorium and haunts the theater to this very day. Although the legend makes for a great late-night story, the truth has been changed just a bit. In reality, there is said to have been no debate amongst feuding roommates, yet the story does center around a woman named Vera.

La Tech Biomedical Engineering Building - Ruston, LA (Bulldogs and Battery Drain)

711 S. Vienna St.

Ruston, LA 71270

32.521108,-92.638104

            Louisiana is known for many of its prestigious universities. Whether it is for the strenuous curriculum of Loyola, intense sports programs of LSU, or unmatched partying of ULL, people travel from all around to experience a college life like no other. One of these hidden gems that often do not get the notoriety that it deserves is Louisiana Tech University in Ruston. Established in 1894, Louisiana Tech is one of the top schools in the state for those pursuing an engineering, business or marketing degree.
            As with many of the universities in the state, Louisiana Tech has its share of haunted tales that echo across campus. Like the years of alumni who have come and gone, so have random events that have etched a reminder in time. For many of the cities in Louisiana, as soon as they were settled, venues for higher learning were usually soon to follow. As part of the property belonging to Louisiana Tech, near its campus sits one of the buildings that have long been reported as haunted.

Harris Hall of ULL Campus - Lafayette, LA (Lily and the Sealed Dorm Room)

104 E University Ave.

Lafayette, LA 70503

30.213508,-92.015589 

            Ok guys, let's face it, what could be more appealing than a haunted women’s' college dormitory? Well, perhaps a haunted strip club, but don't you worry, we will get to that as well in due time! Do you actually think that haunted tales would only reside in grand plantation homes and other stereotypical locations? Think again, as this is Louisiana and everyone knows that here, looks can be deceiving!
            Founded in 1898, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is the second largest university in Louisiana. Formerly known as USL, ULL is one of the greatest schools in the state in regards to academics, sports, and yes, beautiful women! I apologize if I offend anyone, but ULL has always been known for their hard-partying students and beautiful women! Not sure if it is something in the water or steroids in the chicken but I can assure you that I am not the only guy out there that can attest to this! Regardless, beyond the outspoken and lively personalities known as the UL Rajun Cajuns, there lie several dark and ominous stories that make for great catalysts to haunted legends.

Northwestern State University - Natchitoches, LA (The Spirit of Isabella)

Photo courtesy of www.nsula.edu

444 Caspari St. 

Natchitoches, LA 71457

31.752189,-93.092839

www.nsula.edu

When people are asked what is the oldest city in Louisiana, many would assume New Orleans. Surprisingly it's not, as Natchitoches is the oldest settled area in the state, being established in 1714 by Louis Juchereau de St. Denis. New Orleans was settled shortly thereafter in 1718. This being the case, the much smaller city of Natchitoches can boast a dense list of historical locations. Such can be found within its local college, whose mascot is ironically named “Vic the Demon”!

The Original Bullard Mansion (Note the columns)

Northwestern State University, established in 1884, sits on a large piece of property that dates back all the way to the 1600's when it was controlled by the Natchitoches Indians. Prior to the university's beginning, part of the land was home to a mansion owed by the Bullard family. In 1856, the mansion was converted into a convent by the Religious of the Society of the Sacred Heart. It is during this time, NSU was formed. Three of the four columns that adorned the front of the mansion still sit on the grounds today and have become the iconic symbol of the school. Northwestern State University continues to strive as one of the top schools in the state, known for its top curriculum in nursing and business.

Pleasant Hall (LSU Campus) - Baton Rouge, LA (A Lover's Quarrel Turned Deadly)



Pleasant Hall, Louisiana State University

Baton Rouge, LA 70802

30.416828,-91.177607

*Photo courtesy of www.nola.com

 

            Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge is known as one of the most prestigious colleges in the country. From its top quality academics to its star-studded athletics, LSU is the place to go for the soon to be college student. Just as LSU is known for its rowdy football games in the massive stadium ironically dubbed “Death Valley”, an actual death in this valley has made a women’s dorm on campus quite an interesting place as well! 

            Originally called Smith Hall, named after President James Monroe Smith, Pleasant Hall was built in 1931 and served as the campus’s first women’s dormitory. The long standing dormitory/hotel operated until 2002, when it was converted into the continuing education department.