Calcasieu Courthouse, Lake Charles
The Calcasieu Courthouse in Lake Charles is described as haunted by the ghost of Toni Jo Henry, the only woman to be electrocuted in Louisiana. The historical building is visited by paranormal enthusiasts, and reports of the haunting include sounds of her whispers, screams, and footsteps, as well as the lingering scent of her perfume. The courthouse, built in 1912, was even featured on the Travel Channel's Ghost Stories series. Who is Toni Jo Henry? She was convicted of murder and was the first and only woman to be executed in Louisiana's electric chair. Her story, which involved a man she was in love with and her subsequent involvement in illegal activities, is the basis for the local haunting legend. Visitors have reported hearing Toni Jo's whispers, screams, and footsteps within the courthouse. The scent of her perfume is also said to linger in the building.