Behold the Buckner Mansion! It stands here as a testament to both opulence and eerie allure in New Orleans’ Garden District.
Built in 1856, the Buckner Mansion was the dream home of Henry Sullivan Buckner. He was a wealthy cotton kingpin. Buckner wanted a grander residence than his rival, Frederick Stanton. The mansion spans 20000 square feet. It shows the grandeur of antebellum New Orleans.
Look at the 48 fluted Ionic and Corinthian columns. They support the structure. The elegant ballroom and lavish parlors once hosted high-society gatherings. The Buckner Mansion became a symbol of wealth and sophistication.
Buckner Mansion is an excellent example of Greek Revival architecture. It features a two-story portico with six Ionic columns. The grand double staircase invites visitors to explore the mansion’s expansive upper floors.
The Buckner family sold the property in 1923. It became the Soule Business College. The school taught typing, shorthand, secretarial services, and bookkeeping. “From education as the leading cause, the public character its color draws.” These words are embedded in mosaic at the front gate. The school closed in 1983.
But perhaps you recognize the Buckner Mansion from its more recent fame. It served as Miss Robichaux’s Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies in American Horror Story: Coven. The show’s creators chose Buckner Mansion for its architectural splendor and its intrinsic connection to the city’s spooky lore.
The mansion’s imposing facade and eerie interiors provided the perfect backdrop for the show’s dark and mystical themes. Stevie Nicks once graced these very steps. She ran down the marble stairs.
Legend says that the Buckner Mansion is haunted by Miss Josephine. She was a former caretaker. She continues to watch over the property even in the afterlife.
Visitors have reported strange occurrences. Some claim to have seen a spectral figure. Others have heard inexplicable noises. Flickering lights and swaying chandeliers are often reported. The citric smell of lemon peel is said to hang on the breeze around the mansion. It’s supposedly one of Miss Josephine’s favorite scents.
Today, the Buckner Mansion is privately owned and well cared for. Its legacy is one of grandeur, mystery, and enduring fascination.
Take a moment to appreciate the architectural brilliance. Feel the echoes of its storied past. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the Buckner Mansion’s charm is undeniable. It holds a special place in the lore of New Orleans.