The Ghost of The New Orleans Mint

By Crusader1307

 Also known locally as The Old Mint, was a US Federal coinage production and storage facility that produced both Gold and Silver currency from 1838 to 1861. Authorized by then US President Andrew Jackson, it was also the only US Mint to be be captured by Confederate Forces at the start of The American Civil War of 1861 to 1865. Retaken with The Fall of New Orleans to Federal Forces in 1862, it would again produce coinage starting in 1879 until 1909, when it was closed a a production facility The Old Mint also served as a Government Office and later, when Jail holding cells were built, briefly housed ''tax dodgers and Prohibition violators''. It is one of the still standing, oldest Mint structures in The US.

The Old Mint has another history as well. It is a well documented haunted structure. Serving now as a local Museum of City History and Art Gallery, it's Staff has told stories over the years of paranormal activities. From unseen footsteps, to voices perhaps one of the most famous of stories is that of one Mr. William Mumford. A Confederate supporter, he took a dim view to Federal Forces when they re-took The City of New Orleans in 1862. A detachment of US Marines retook The Old Mint. They cut down The Confederate National Flag and re-raised The Federal Colors. This annoyed Mumford, who took action.

Overnight, Mumford entered The Mint and cut down The Stars and Stripes, ripping it to pieces. He then duly re-flew The Rebel Colors. Federal Forces tracked down Mumford (who was informed upon). He openly admitted the act. In return, Federal Forces took Mumford to the 2nd Floor Balcony of The Mint and hung him. Orders were given to NOT cut down his corpse, which hung from the 2nd Foor for several days before he was cut down. He was buried in an unmarked grave. Mumford's Mother, was never told just ''where'' Her ''Boy'' was buried. It is said that Mumford can still be seen, walking the 2nd Floor of The Old Mint, or standing in the shadows. Likewise, His Mother is often ''heard'' sobbing and wandering the grounds looking for the remains of Her Son.