Historic 1827 Louisiana cemetery haunted by 'The Gatekeeper' shadow entity
Edgerly, Edgerly, LA
Research updated May 2026
Age
All Ages
Cost
Free
Free to visit; gated property
Access
Limited Access
Cemetery grounds with uneven turf and graves
Equipment
Photos OK
Est. 1827 · Early Louisiana Settlement · Religious Community Heritage · Historic Burial Ground
Big Woods Cemetery's establishment in 1827 represents significant early Louisiana settlement infrastructure development. James Bryan's land donation established the cemetery as a formal burial ground during Louisiana's territorial and statehood consolidation period.
The cemetery became culturally rooted in the Edgerly community through association with Big Woods Baptist Church, which historically stood near the cemetery grounds. The church served spiritual and community functions alongside the cemetery's burial functions. However, the church structure fell victim to vandalism and fire, reportedly during the 1990s.
The landscape of Big Woods reflects the region's ecological character. Enormous oak trees canopy the cemetery grounds, creating a distinctive atmospheric environment. The oak-dominated ecosystem is characteristic of south Louisiana's coastal plain forests, providing shade and shelter consistent with traditional cemetery landscapes.
As an active burial ground, Big Woods Cemetery has experienced continuous use and expansion throughout its nearly 200-year history. The Calcasieu Parish recognized the cemetery's significance by installing gates to manage access and prevent vandalism. The gated property reflects both heritage preservation and community management of the sacred space.
The proximity of Big Woods Cemetery to Antioch Cemetery created a historic dual-graveyard complex in the region. A passage connecting the two cemeteries historically included a gate, which has become a focal point for paranormal folklore and legend-tripping activities.
Sources
Big Woods Cemetery's paranormal reputation centers on an entity locally referred to as 'The Gatekeeper'—a singular chief entity allegedly roaming the cemetery grounds, particularly concentrated at the passage connecting Big Woods to the adjacent Antioch Cemetery. The foundational phenomenon involves visual sightings of shadow figures and reports from paranormal investigation groups of equipment interference, including data corruption and EMF anomalies. Witnesses describe shadow manifestations, brightly lit mist phenomena during nighttime hours, and vehicle starting difficulties upon attempting to leave after paranormal encounters. The Southwest Louisiana Ghost Society has documented equipment malfunctions and electromagnetic interference during investigations. Apparition sightings include accounts of a young girl spirit walking and crying, and a woman in a black robe. These reports are consistent with local paranormal folklore but remain unverified by independent institutional sources. Note: Some cemetery residents have expressed concern about paranormal tourism disturbing burial grounds.
Notable Entities
Walk the grounds of Big Woods Cemetery, established in 1827, observing historic graves under the massive oak canopy. The cemetery remains an active burial ground deserving respectful behavior. Daytime visits are strongly recommended.
Explore the passage between Big Woods and Antioch Cemetery where the 'Gatekeeper' phenomenon is reportedly concentrated. The connecting gate features a warning sign. Paranormal investigators should visit with permission and respect cemetery protocols.
Every HauntBound history is researched from documented sources. We clearly separate verified historical fact from paranormal folklore.
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