A visit to New Orleans is not complete without a tour of the plantations. These farms and their houses provide an insight into the rich history of this part of country. Listed in the National Historic Landmarks, they are known for their rich history, architectural marvel and association with other crucial historic events and people. New Orleans plantation tours are for anyone who wishes to experience the year 1700 today.
Many of these plantations were started back in 1700s during the commencement of an economy powered by agriculture. Many farmers owning large tracts of land were required to supply food to the new economy. Many crops have been grown in these farms over the years. In the beginning, indigo was the most profitable crop to grow which was used to synthesize blue dye.
Many years later, commercial crops such as sugarcane, cotton and tobacco had started to replace indigo in the farms. Corn and rice have however over the years been the main food crops grown for the farm owners, animals and slaves to feed on. Initially, the houses were put up as just simple structures. However, as productivity of certain farms increased and became more commercially viable, the houses became more complex and impressive.
Most of the homes are a mixture of Creole and Greek revival columns. Designs such as curved stairs and semi detached parts were the styles that prevailed in those years and were symbol for wealth. Surprisingly, many of these homes did not have indoor bathrooms and kitchens were separate from the main house. The stairs to the upper floors were located to the outside of a house!
Along River Road, you are likely to find plantations closest to New Orleans. The location is in large extensive areas of land with great landscaping. Sugar and cotton industries were found in the same compound as the farm owner houses. The houses where slaves dwelt were also located in the same compound making the plantation self contained. The demise of these houses was brought about by civil war, tobacco viral diseases and sugar industry unprofitability.
Restoration of houses began in 1925 in Oak Valley. St. Joseph plantation is one of these which had a large sugarcane farm started in 1877 and which is still operational. Other plantations are Destrehan and Ormond which are just two miles apart and are one of oldest in this region. The most visited is probably the Houman House. The largest of them is the Nottoway which prides itself in having the first indoor bathroom and around fifty rooms in the same house.
Tour guides give extensive information about the architecture of many historic homes. History lessons of sugar the white gold of 1700s are also given. Some farm houses are open for the public to visit and bed and breakfast offered in others. They are also open as venues for weddings, anniversaries and honeymoons.
Every one of these houses and farm has its own unique story to tell and its own mystery. The architecture of this period in time is amazing. In addition, the culture and history of people who lived in this area is alive in their homes. Special events may be organized on the grounds at different times of year. A tour to plantations in New Orleans is the closest you will get to the year 1700.
Many of these plantations were started back in 1700s during the commencement of an economy powered by agriculture. Many farmers owning large tracts of land were required to supply food to the new economy. Many crops have been grown in these farms over the years. In the beginning, indigo was the most profitable crop to grow which was used to synthesize blue dye.
Many years later, commercial crops such as sugarcane, cotton and tobacco had started to replace indigo in the farms. Corn and rice have however over the years been the main food crops grown for the farm owners, animals and slaves to feed on. Initially, the houses were put up as just simple structures. However, as productivity of certain farms increased and became more commercially viable, the houses became more complex and impressive.
Most of the homes are a mixture of Creole and Greek revival columns. Designs such as curved stairs and semi detached parts were the styles that prevailed in those years and were symbol for wealth. Surprisingly, many of these homes did not have indoor bathrooms and kitchens were separate from the main house. The stairs to the upper floors were located to the outside of a house!
Along River Road, you are likely to find plantations closest to New Orleans. The location is in large extensive areas of land with great landscaping. Sugar and cotton industries were found in the same compound as the farm owner houses. The houses where slaves dwelt were also located in the same compound making the plantation self contained. The demise of these houses was brought about by civil war, tobacco viral diseases and sugar industry unprofitability.
Restoration of houses began in 1925 in Oak Valley. St. Joseph plantation is one of these which had a large sugarcane farm started in 1877 and which is still operational. Other plantations are Destrehan and Ormond which are just two miles apart and are one of oldest in this region. The most visited is probably the Houman House. The largest of them is the Nottoway which prides itself in having the first indoor bathroom and around fifty rooms in the same house.
Tour guides give extensive information about the architecture of many historic homes. History lessons of sugar the white gold of 1700s are also given. Some farm houses are open for the public to visit and bed and breakfast offered in others. They are also open as venues for weddings, anniversaries and honeymoons.
Every one of these houses and farm has its own unique story to tell and its own mystery. The architecture of this period in time is amazing. In addition, the culture and history of people who lived in this area is alive in their homes. Special events may be organized on the grounds at different times of year. A tour to plantations in New Orleans is the closest you will get to the year 1700.
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