Josephine of Buckner Mansion – 1410 Jackson Avenue

One of the most popular and beloved ghosts in the Garden District is the ghost of Josephine, here at the Buckner Mansion.  The mansion was built in the late 1850’s for Henry Buckner by architect, Lewis Reynolds. The 24,000 square foot house has 48 fluted columns and 16 foot ceilings throughout the first floor and 14 foot ceilings on the second floor.  

 Although the Buckners had several slaves, Josephine a paid servant in the home, was a free woman of color.  She had remained with the family after slavery was abolished.  She acted as midwife and herbal healer in the community giving way to rumors of her being a witch.  Josephine lived to the ripe old age at that time, of 60 years old.  Her love of the property and the Buckners has provoked Josephine to continue to reside in the mansion.  

 It was also common during that era for women to die in childbirth or babies to be stillborn, so many of the ghosts who inhabit the home in addition to Josephine are those of who died under such circumstances. It is not uncommon for lights to go on and off on their own or chandeliers to sway back and forth with no apparent cause.  An investigative team brought a psychic to the house who communicated with several spirits. Josephine responded by turning a light switch on and off.  

 The mansion was home to a college for about 60 years. During that time students reported things such as when cabinets were left open, they would return to find them closed. Also, if something were spilled in the kitchen, it would be mysteriously cleaned up.  It seems that Josephine continues to take care of her duties as servant in the mansion.  

Kalila Smith, except from New Orleans Ghosts, Voodoo, & Vampires 1997