The Lalaurie Mansion Decoded : the Hidden History of America's First Haunted House

The infamous 1140 Royal Street has carried many names over the centuries, from "The Haunted House" to "The Lalaurie Mansion". Since the 1830s, this elegant architectural marvel served as a trophy to celebrities and the rich, and one of the most visited locations in New Orleans since the 1880s, captivating scores of visitors each year with its stories. The mansion and its history have inspired television horror shows and made its mark on pop culture. But what no one knows is the true and full history of this American landmark. This book seeks to unravel a centuries long fascade that has physically and symbolically buried the true stories of the history of this mansion, bringing historic truth and evidence to centuries of folklore and legend, and taking a deep look into the economic, social, and political forces that shaped the stories of what is, colloquially, America's first haunted house. Journey with us as we travel through time to reveal who Madame Delphine Lalaurie really was, what she did, and what happened to her; the storied Franklin High School; the Lower Girls School - the first public desegregated school in the south - and the White League that attacked it during their campaign of terror; the Italian immigrants who occupied the mansion as tenements and whose ingenuity saw them achieve the American dream against racism; the Warrington House; and the political powers and special interests who has vested interest in steering the narrative of the mansion and its history. The story of the Lalaurie Mansion is a microchasm of New Orleans and American history, but its truths have been buried over time. I will reveal the true story of America's first haunted house and the people in it who have been forgotten - if you are brave enough to listen.