As a southern lady, along with being a passionate academic, I have had a lifelong fascination for the history of the Old South. While growing up in South Mississippi, my mother instilled in me an appreciation for the beauty of antebellum plantation homes from our frequent visits to Natchez Pilgrimages to tour the old homes. Over the last 30 years, I have done extensive research and touring throughout Louisiana and Mississippi consistently capturing moments in time through photographs that document my experiences.
This educational website’s purpose is to preserve and celebrate the rich history of the American South through historical facts and documents while presenting this comprehensive antebellum plantation blog. Exploring how these people and plantations were part of American history is contextually important to remember.
In this world of ‘plantation tourism,’ some southern plantations are more authentic than others. This blog will not only document my own experiences traveling to various plantations over the past four decades, but it will also delve into the history of some plantation homes that exist only in memory now. My hope is that by sharing these stories, I can inspire others to visit and support the remaining historical homes that hold such significance in our collective past.
For the past 30 years, research has been my passion both personally and professionally. I noticed a lack of reliable source information in many southern plantation books; so I decided to research primary and secondary resources myself. This journey has not only provided me with new historical facts, but it has also allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of our southern heritage. There are many differing opinions on how history should be perceived and there are biases out there of all kinds. This website focuses on my perception of southern history which celebrates the achievements of our southern forefathers.
This site will feature existing southern plantations as well as ones now lost to time. Listed below are some of the plantations I have visited that I will showcase.
- Windsor Ruins – Port Gibson, Mississippi
- Afton Villa Gardens – Francisville, Louisiana
- Ashland Belle-Helene – Geismar, Louisiana
- Oaklawn Manor – Franklin, Louisiana
- Butler-Greenwood Plantation- St. Francisville, Louisiana
- Rosedown Plantation – St. Francisville, Louisiana
- Chretien Point Plantation – Sunset, Louisiana
- Greenwood Plantation – St. Francisville, Louisiana
- Waverly Plantation – West Point, Mississippi
- Destrehan Plantation – Destrehan, Louisiana
- Shadows-on-the-Teche – New Iberia, Louisiana
- St. Joseph Plantation – Vacherie, Louisiana
- Longwood Plantation – Natchez, Mississippi
- Auburn Antebellum Home – Natchez, Mississippi
- Rosalie Mansion – Natchez, Mississippi
- Beauregard House – Chalmette, Louisiana
- Valcour Aime Plantation – Vacherie, Louisiana
- Nottoway Plantation – White Castle, Louisiana
- Myrtles Plantation – St. Francisville, Louisiana
- Cottage Plantation – St. Francisville, Louisiana
- L’Hermitage Plantation – Darrow, Louisiana
- Oak Alley Plantation – Vacherie, Louisiana
- Madewood Plantation House – Napoleanville, Louisiana
- Arlington Plantation – Franklin, Louisiana
- Laura Plantation – Vacherie, Louisiana
- Houmas House – Darrow, Louisiana
- Evergreen Plantation – Edgard, Louisiana
- Felicity Plantation – Vacherie, Louisiana
- Walter Place – Holly Springs, Mississippi
- Bocage Plantation – Darrow, Louisiana
- Dunleith Historic Inn – Natchez, Mississippi
As many of you know, some of these wonderful homes have now closed for tours due to private ownership or because of people trying to rewrite southern history especially due to the anti-southern sentiment that we see today which can negatively influence tourism. Other historic homes have unfortunately rebranded into solely event venues, but I am passionate about keeping their stories alive.
Today these plantations highlight the resilience of southern history and architecture. By visiting these historic plantations, tourists can experience the elegance of the plantations and their gardens while connecting with a rich historical past.
Whether you are a history buff or simply looking for an authentic southern experience, these historic southern antebellum plantations are waiting to provide plenty of charm, fascinating stories, and picturesque views. Don’t miss your opportunity to explore the now forgotten and enchanting past of the South.
There was a land of cavaliers and cotton fields called the OLD SOUTH… Here in this pretty world, Gallantry took it's last bow… Here was the last ever to be seen of Knights and their Ladies Fair, of Master and of Slave… Look for it only in books, for it is no more than a dream remembered. A civilization gone with the wind… --the Foreword from the film version of GONE WITH THE WIND (1939)