However, Antoine had married well back in the 1830s. Jean Dorville Landry. German immigrants, white indentured servants and enslaved Africans produced the land that sustained the growing city. Nestled on River Road in Vacherie, Louisiana, the Laura Plantation is ranked by TripAdvisor as having the number one plantation tour on River Road and the best history tour in the United. Under French rule (1699-1763), the German Coast became the main supplier of food to New Orleans. Steam-powered river navigation began in 1811-12, between Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and New Orleans. This would change dramatically after the first two ships carrying captive Africans arrived in Louisiana in 1719. Its owner, Bradish Johnson, of New York, renamed it after Harry Whitney, an Arctic explorer and author who was also his grandson. Louisiana's plantations offer a fascinating look at lifestyles of the past and a crucial period in the history of the United States. The plantation, which is significant in the local history, is open to the public for guided tours. The first colony in (current) English America was in Jamestown in 1607 to give you an idea. The tour is 90 minutes long and is all outdoors so make sure you bring water, sun protection. Every bedroom in a home looks very similar to a movie set. This was advantageous since ribbon cane has a tough bark which is hard to crush with animal power. Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, a French nobleman who named the palace after his friend, the French duc dOrlans, a French regent at the time, founded it in 1777. In 1974, the National Park Service described the site as follows, based on historical knowledge at the time: Established in the late 18th century by Marie Therese Coincoin, a former slave who became a wealthy businesswoman, the grounds of Yucca Plantation (now known as Melrose Plantation) contain what may well be the oldest buildings of African design built by Blacks, for the use of Blacks, in the country. The majority of black inmates were subleased to land owners to replace slaves while others continued levee, railroad, and road construction. In the 1840s, Norbert Rillieux, a free man of color from Louisiana, patented his invention, the multiple effect evaporator. Only one home can be used as an overnight residence: Nottoway Plantation. This is a very moving and unique tour that may be disturbing to those sensitive to the history of slaves. You will experience Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, French Quarter Fest and the weather is cool and youll also avoid the mosquitos and humidity. Gardens and ruins open daily, March 1 to June 30 & October 1 to December 1. Louis Metoyer Private Land Claim Certificate B1953 (sections 17 and 94, Township 7 North, Range 6 West), Record Group 49, General Land Office, National Archives; Louis Mettoyer claim for 883.60 acres, OPEL: May 1796, File B1953, Louis Metoyer, Opelousas Notarial Records, Louisiana State Land Office, Baton Rouge; "Enterrements, 1793-1796 [Etc. The area is 30 miles long and spans both sides of the Mississippi River. Destrehan Plantation is one of the oldest plantation homes in the lower Mississippi Valley and one of the oldest in the United States. They also served as sawyers, carpenters, masons, and smiths. So after visiting the Laura Plantation, you have an introduction into the colorful plantation homes of the French. I wanted to give some specific options of a luxury, budget, and dog-friendly place to stay while visiting the River Parishes that looked interesting to me including the hotel I stayed at while visiting. They do offer a full breakfast included in the price. Enslaved workers siphoned this liquid into a second vat called a beater, or batterie. Please visit our Plan Your Visit tab to learn more! That's the conclusion of decades of research by historian and genealogist Antoinette Harrell, who described . Generations of Africans and their descendants were enslaved here to establish and maintain indigo, rice, and sugar crops. Despite the fact that the grounds and mansion are not as grand as those of the other properties, guests continue to rave about them. Amid the financial depression that followed the Panic of 1837, the mother and son fell heavily into debt. Yucca Plantation National Historic Landmark (1974), Tour guide points to a rare book in the plantation library. Seniors, Students, & Military. . During this tour, youll learn about the life and times of slaves in Mississippi in the nineteenth century. In the aftermath of the Civil War, many African Americans in the South were left without land or homes of their own. Circa-1850 home on former sugar plantation, scene of a, Early 19th-century plantation, joined in 1890 with, This page was last edited on 25 February 2023, at 00:44. My experience in travel, and my personal story have allowed me to get published inFodor's Travel,Atlas Obscura,Metro.co.uk,Trip Advisor, and multiplePodcast interviews. Chloe, a former house servant, has received more attention recently due to her ghost. [citation needed], Due to poor transportation and slow industrialization, plantations tended to be somewhat self-sufficient, growing most of their own food, harvesting their own timber and firewood, repairing farm implements, and constructing their own buildings. Both of these places are 40 minutes away from Baton Rouge. The main house was moved and is now located in Sherevport, and the plantation store is now located in Natchitoches. Lauras uncles left the plantation with no heirs after their children died and lost their rights to inherit the land. 1825-1830 by Antoine Gosserand. The museum has exhibits, artifacts, and artwork that allow visitors to learn more about this history. Oak Alley is one of Louisianas best plantations and one of the most recognizable of the historic mansions along the River Road. These beautiful homes were built by wealthy landowners in the 18th and 19th centuries and were often surrounded by sprawling gardens and fields. Because the mansion is only a short walk from the main road, touring it in this manner is simple and quick. You will see pictures from that tour, and it is one I will not soon forget, because never in my wildest dreams would I imagine that people of color would purchase and own other people of color. If you dont like the crowds, then try for October to January. The plantation was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1974. Sugarcane was planted in January and February and harvested from mid-October to December. Because of the nature of sugar production, enslaved people suffered tremendously in South Louisiana. In the years following the war, some black people were able to purchase plantations, but most were unable to hold on to them for long. Visitors learn about this history through tours, exhibits, memorials, and artwork. They couldnt, they were illiterate and couldnt write, and signed their names with an X. The site contains several buildings and structures that were originally constructed and restored to their original specifications. Plantation tours are among the best available in and around New Orleans. A 2002 study of Creole building practices showed that there was no evidence of African traditions in the architecture. The AC works really well and there is a HUGE shower! In this early period, European indentured servants submitted to 36-month contracts did most of the work clearing land and laboring on small-scale plantations. [15] The Hertzogs and Bossier then operated a cotton plantation, in partnership, until 1880. To read more about me and my storyclick here. The Africa House, a unique, nearly square structure with an umbrella-like roof which extends some 10 feet beyond the exterior walls on all four sides, may be of direct African derivation. 302735N 911222W. Enslaved workers had to time this process carefully, because over-fermenting the leaves would ruin the product. Field hands cut the cane and loaded it into carts which were driven to the sugar mill. Evergreen Plantation, which was built in 1790, is one of the most thoroughly preserved plantations in the country. You can tell he is very passionate about his job and sharing this important information with all people especially the younger generations. If you visit one or all of them being able to visit the past and educate ourselves is very important. Well because of the mix of cultures that have lived here throughout the years. The Spanish did come to the area in 1528 and 1543 but returned to Spain. The largest family of free black planters and merchants outside of New Orleans was the Metoyer family of Natchitoches Parish, which intermarried with other black planters. Many of the state's amazing antebellum mansions remain intact, and are meticulously maintained and furnished with beautiful period pieces. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. You have two options of plantations to stay at, theOak Alley Plantationand thePoch Plantation. Albania Plantation. Construction began on the "Big House" at Melrose before the 11 March 1832 death of Louis Metoyer. In 1722, nearly 170 indigenous people were enslaved on Louisianas plantations. Whitney Plantation Museum offers tours Wednesday through Monday, from 10am-3pm. Because of its strong association with the Metoyer family, Melrose Plantation is the major regional site for National Park Service interpretation of the history of Creoles of color in the region. This was an amazing experience for my son and me. Enslaved women who served as wet-nurses had to care for their owners children instead of their own. Pictures of the famous Oak Alley Plantation grace nearly every page when talking about Louisiana Plantations. The Houmas House has been featured on many projects, including a 2010 episode of the hit TV show Top Chef. When free Black baker Francisca Montreuil died in 1803, her children and grandchildren inherited five enslaved people, a house in New Orleans, two plantations, farm animals, and furniture. Monday - Wednesday is reserved for groups of 10 or more who have booked their group tour at least one week in advance. This plantation will show you their lives, customs, traditions, their illnesses and things they struggled with. Cotton prices were particularly depressed.[14]. A covered pavilion with a Chihuly glass chandelier is among the highlights of the Houmas House gardens, which also include water features and walking paths. Other notable examples of slave housing can be found at the Laura Plantation in Vacherie and at the San Francisco Plantation House in Garyville. There is an entire room dedicated to a visual representation of what happened that day, and what came afterwards. Leah Fletcher, Account Executive, Smooth Traveler: Louisianas River Road (Part Two), Smooth Traveler: Louisianas River Road (Part One), Biden declares Kyiv stands in surprise visit to Ukraine, Supreme Court seems ready to reject student loan forgiveness, Former Philadelphia Eagle, CBS anchor Irv Cross had brain disease CTE, Queen Latifah will host the 2023 NAACP Image Awards on Feb. 25 in Pasadena CA. Whitney Plantation is the only former plantation site in Louisiana with an exclusive focus on slavery. There are several different types of tours available at the Destrehan Plantation, but I would like to suggest taking The Unheard Voices of the German Coast tour with Dianne Honore, a descendant of Jean Baptist Destrehan. The Whitney Plantation, a notable example of the slave trade, is an excellent example. Laura Plantation, one of the birthplaces of the Brer Rabbit stories, is said to have played an important role in the development of the story. Closed Tuesdays and the Following Holidays: We were short on time and could only visit one plantation, and Whitney seemed to provide the best experience. She talks about the grief and pain of the enslaved and demonstrates the types of songs used in the fields, the types of African and Cajun cuisine that shaped the south, the type of religions among the enslaved, Maroon slaves, and the path of freedom of the enslaved. During the Spanish period (1763-1803), Louisianas plantation owners grew wealthy from the production of indigo. 83000554. Its the only plantation museum in Louisiana dedicated to telling the history of slavery from the perspective of the slaves. Whitney Plantation Historic District has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1992. Grif was the racial designation used for their children. In addition to enslaved Africans and European indentured servants, early Louisianas plantation owners used the labor of Native Americans. *There will be a $25 closed-day fee for each group tour of 10 or . They lived in an integrated home here, but integration does not mean equality. In the 1800s, the plantation produced over 20 million pounds of sugar per year. After the planting season, enslaved workers began work in other areas on the plantation, such as cultivating corn and other food crops, harvesting wood from the surrounding forests, and maintaining levees and canals. The Laura Plantation offers some of the best tours, a historical perspective, and an unforgettable story. Walking through the house and seeing the comfortable beds, fans over the table run by slave children, sweeping verandas and decks makes you feel a little ill appreciating how beautiful it is, because now you know where and how the home came to be, on the manual labor and backs of slaves. Education tours are one hour in length and are conducted by a trained member of the education department. Laura Plantation, a magnificent plantation near New Orleans, is a must-visit. The prices range from $175 - $325 per night depending on the cottage you would like to book. Sam Houston visited while in the area soliciting funds for his Texas army. The widow and her son operated a large sugar plantation together and owned more slaves than all other black slave owners in Louisiana in 1860, topping off at 152. Plantation reached its peak production in the years leading up to the Civil War. It was safer and produced a higher-quality sugar, but it was expensive to implement and only the wealthiest plantation owners could afford it before the Civil War. Once inside the steeper, enslaved workers covered the plants with water. [12] The newly mechanized cotton industry in England during the Industrial Revolution absorbed the tremendous supply of cheap cotton that became a major crop in the Southern United States. Free African American Christians founded their own churches which became the hub of the economic, social, and intellectual lives of blacks in many areas of the fledgling nation. Had been Francis Routh's cotton plantation; and the land is now part of the. You get to follow the story of Kid Ory, born at this plantation in 1886 and his rise to fame (including finding Louis Armstrong). See hidden cafes, statues, museums, and more! Many more details to come on this plantation in a future article. A guest at a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) "Black History Month Fireside Chat" joined the Monday call with a land acknowledgement for a Native American tribe that allied itself with the Confederacy and owned black slaves, according to a DOE recording of the call. Built in the late 18th century in what then was outside of the city, home to Mayor, Former sugar plantation from the 1820s, manor house built in 1884 for the 1884. Dianne it was an honor and a privilege to take your tour. Then in 1687 the Tunica Indians drove the french out and lived there for some time until the 1730s when St Francis was settled by the French. A few of them came from Southeast Africa. 5. The museum is easily accessible from interstate 10 at the Gramercy exit, number 194. Please fill out are booking request form for all educational group tours. The Nottoway Plantation is thought to be the largest antebellum plantation still standing in the United States. "Marie Thrse Coincoin (17421816): Slave, Slave Owner, and Paradox," Chapter 1 in Janet Allred and Judy Gentry, ed., Mills, Elizabeth Shown. The Africans enslaved in Louisiana came mostly from Senegambia, the Bight of Benin, the Bight of Biafra, and West-Central Africa. 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