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According to documentation in the Library of Louisiana, this property was initially granted by the Spanish authorities to Baptiste Boutte. Over time, the land changed hands until it was purchased by Washington Jackson and Donelson Caffrey in 1814, both of whom were related to General and Mrs. Andrew Jackson.
The original mansion was built in 1827 on the Irish Bend of Bayou Teche near Franklin, Louisiana by Alexander Porter. It is said that Mr. Porter himself designed the building with its front and rear galleries, immense central hall, and third floor ballroom complete with stage. Porter acquired large swaths of land along the Bayou Teche, eventually owning thousands of acres on both sides of the river. Through the cultivation of sugarcane, Porter’s plantation became immensely successful, amassing an estimated value of $100,000 by 1840.
However, the Civil War took its toll on the plantation. With no slaves and limited servants, the Porter family struggled to maintain the production of sugarcane, their only cash crop. Consequently, when a wealthy New Yorker offered to buy the deteriorating plantation, they had no choice but to sell.
Oaklawn Manor was bought and sold multiple times, and each time, it lost a bit of its beauty and grace. That is until Captain Barbour took it upon himself to restore Oaklawn Manor to its former days of glory.
View article & drawings of Oaklawn ~ 1864
In the early 20th century, Captain Clyde A. Barbour meticulously recreated the gardens and refurbished the manor, transforming Oaklawn Manor into a lively destination once more. By 1926, the Barbours opened their resplendent home to the public, hosting friends and visitors in true southern hospitality style.
Not only did they restore its beauty, but they also ensured that the estate’s legacy was preserved. Understanding the importance of the oak trees on the property, they planted over one hundred twelve-year-old live oaks in the 1930s while calling upon tree surgeons to revive the older, ailing trees. Through careful pruning and support structures, they managed to save many of the centuries-old trees.
Oaklawn Manor’s sprawling 35 acres of oak-filled terrain captivates anyone who sets foot within its vicinity. Former Louisiana Governor Mike Foster, and his wife were completely enamored with the plantation the first time they laid eyes on it. The well-preserved property still boasts many of its original furnishings, displaying a touch of its rich history.
Sadly, although it no longer gives tours, Oaklawn Manor is now a wedding venue for those who have the vision of a truly unique southern experience.
(views to enjoy the part of the property named ‘The Park’)
Photography by Kipfer Fox
Interesting Fact: The movie THE DROWNING POOL (1975) with Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward was filmed here.
Highly Recommended.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093383002566
Location: 3296 E. Oaklawn Drive, Franklin, Louisiana
References:
[1] “Oaklawn Manor Places on Nation Registry.” St. Mary and Franklin Banner-Tribune. March 3, 1973.
[2] “Oaklawn Manor.” Oaklawnmanor.com. http://www.oaklawnmanor.com/
This is Nancy. It is spelled “Oaklawn”, one word. Sometimes you have it as two words. What you call the Dairy is known as the Butter House. That is not a separate kitchen. Capt. Barbour build that only as a facade, a miniature of the manor house, as a place to have coffee and sit to enjoy the part of the property he named The Park. It is now a little house. I’ll see if I have a better photo of the venetian chandelier in the library.
Who owns it now?
Who maintains it?
A former Louisiana governor Mike Foster and his wife who lives there now and maintains the property.