The Gothic Jail in DeRidder: Louisiana's Most Haunted Historic Jail
This Gothic-style jail has quite the storied past. Visit and decide for yourself whether it's haunted.
At a Glance
- The Gothic Jail of DeRidder is a Louisiana landmark known for its eerie architecture, preserved interiors, fascinating stories and famed ghost sightings.
- Built in 1914 in the Collegiate Gothic style, it's considered one of the only jails in the country built to resemble a college building rather than a correctional facility — complete with a private bathroom in every cell, a rare amenity for the era.
- It was nicknamed "The Hanging Jail" after two men were executed there on March 9, 1928 — the only hanging carried out in the building and the source of much of its haunted lore.
History of the Gothic Jail
Built in 1914 in DeRidder, Louisiana, the Gothic Jail was designed to be both a penitentiary and an architectural statement. The three-story building (the first floor was reserved as the jailer's quarters) served as Beauregard Parish jail until its decommissioning in 1984.
Why Gothic?
The jail is named for its “Collegiate Gothic” style, a somewhat unusual choice for a detention facility. Characteristic Gothic elements, like pointed arches, bay windows and a castle-like appearance, lend the building a dramatic silhouette. At the time, Gothic vocabulary was popular in educational institutions, so it is possible the architects intended to give the jail a level of sophistication.
Layout & Connection to the Courthouse
The ground floor of the Gothic Jail housed the jailer’s living quarters, his office and a temporary holding cell. The second and third floors each contained four cells, all arranged around a central spiral staircase.
One striking design feature: each cell had its own bathroom, and cells on the top floor had skylights — amenities rare for jails of any era. It wasn't all light, though: A long, dim underground tunnel connected the jail to the adjacent courthouse, allowing inmates to be privately escorted to trial.
Staircase in DeRidder's Gothic jail
Exterior of DeRidder's Gothic jail
The Jail’s Paranormal Reputation
DeRidder's Gothic Jail has earned a reputation as one of Louisiana’s most haunted sites. Local legend holds that the ghost of a former jailer sometimes appears on the front porch clad in overalls, smoking a pipe and sipping coffee. Other whispers speak of unexplained footsteps, slamming doors, cold spots and disembodied voices echoing through the cells.
"The Hanging Jail"
The jail’s darkest chapter is tied to two men, Joe Genna and Molton Brasseaux, who were hanged on March 9, 1928. The men were convicted of the murder of taxi driver Joe Brevelle, and their execution gave the jail its grim nickname, “The Hanging Jail.” This event intensified public fear and lore around the building, and over the decades, it has become a focal point for ghost stories and paranormal investigators.
Visiting the Gothic Jail
Day Tours
The jail offers day tours to the public, typically available Monday through Friday. Tours run at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., with check-in at the Beauregard Tourist Commission office across the street. Weekend tours are available by appointment for groups of 10 or more.
Pricing for the day tours is:
- Adults: $10
- Kids (ages 5–11), military and seniors (55+): $5
- Ages 5 and under: Free
Note that day and lantern tours are suspended for an extended window beginning around Labor Day and typically running through mid-November, while the site is set up, operated and struck for its seasonal haunted attraction.
Gothic Jail After Dark
When fall arrives, the jail transforms into Gothic Jail After Dark, a seasonal attraction that combines history and ghost stories. Skeletal "guards" decorate the outside of the jail as it turns into a haunted-house experience. Admission is $20 nightly, 7:30–11:30 p.m. on October 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and 31, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Gothic Jail in DeRidder haunted?
The Gothic Jail in DeRidder, Louisiana, has a reputation for being haunted, with local legends describing unexplained footsteps, shadowy figures and eerie activity inside the building. These stories are why the jail is often included in Louisiana’s “haunted history” and on paranormal tours.
What is the Gothic Jail in DeRidder, Louisiana?
The Gothic Jail, officially known as the Beauregard Parish Jail, is a historic former jail located in DeRidder, Louisiana. Built in the Collegiate Gothic style of architecture, it's one of the most recognizable buildings in the region, known for its castle-like appearance and local legends.
When was the Gothic Jail in DeRidder built?
The jail was built in 1914 and served as the Beauregard Parish jail for several decades. It remained in operation until 1984, when it was retired from use as a correctional facility.
Can you visit the Gothic Jail in DeRidder?
Yes, the Gothic Jail is open to the public for day tours. Visitors can explore parts of the historic building and learn about its architecture, history and legends. In October, a haunted-house experience is offered at the jail on select weekend nights.
What is inside the Gothic Jail?
The jail features two floors of cell blocks arranged around a central spiral staircase, as well as first-floor living quarters for the jailer and an underground tunnel that connects the jail to the nearby courthouse. Many original structural elements are still intact.
Where is the Gothic Jail located?
The Gothic Jail is located in downtown DeRidder, Louisiana, next to the Beauregard Parish Courthouse. Both buildings sit within the city’s courthouse square.
