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Visiting New Orleans is incomplete if you have not taken a tour of the plantations to the South. These extensive farms and houses tell of the rich culture and history of people who lived there. As a result of their amazing detail in the design, architecture and historical significance, they have earned a position in the National Historic Landmarks. Today, if you wish to have a feel of year 1700, New Orleans Plantation tours are a must.
These plantations were begun in the 1700s when commercial agriculture to empower an agricultural driven economy was started. Farmers and large extensive farms were needed to provide food to this new economy. Over the years, many crops have been grown. Indigo was one of the first plants to be grown for its ability to make a blue dye.
A century later, cotton, sugarcane, tobacco and other commercial crops were grown. However, corn and rice has been the staple food crop through out the years for farm owners, their animals and slaves as well. The homes were constructed as simple structures to live. However, as the farms became more productive and farmers gained commercial breakthrough, the structures were replaced with much bigger and impressive homes.
The style of construction was French Creole and Greek revival. The designs were meant to show off the wealthy status of their owners bearing curved stairs and detached structures. Shocking enough, indoor bathrooms were not incorporated in these designs and stairs were on the outside of a house. Kitchens too were on the outside the main house.
The large and extensive farms and houses nearest New Orleans are found along River Road. They were located in sprawling areas bearing amazing designs. In addition, factories for sugar and cotton were also in the same compound making the plantation self contained. However, as a result of civil war, sugar unprofitability and diseases of tobacco contributed to these houses were destroyed.
In 1925 however, restoration of houses began in Oak Valley. The extensive farm of St. Joseph is a family owned sugar cane farm began in 1877 and is still operational. Destrehan and Ormond plantations are just two miles apart and are some of the oldest. Houmas House is one of the most visited in the South. Nottoway is the largest of the farms housing 50 rooms. It was also the first to have a bathroom inside the house.
The impressive architecture and history of these homes is narrated by tour guides who show visitors around. The 1700s white gold which was sugar and its importance is also narrated. Some homes are open for the public to visit. Others offer bed and breakfast to the visitors. In addition, venues for weddings, parties and honeymoons are also available.
There is a different story and mystery for each of these farms and houses. The history of owners of these houses and their slaves are still alive in their houses. There are also events held periodically on the grounds. A tour through these plantations provides a feel of the year 1700.
These plantations were begun in the 1700s when commercial agriculture to empower an agricultural driven economy was started. Farmers and large extensive farms were needed to provide food to this new economy. Over the years, many crops have been grown. Indigo was one of the first plants to be grown for its ability to make a blue dye.
A century later, cotton, sugarcane, tobacco and other commercial crops were grown. However, corn and rice has been the staple food crop through out the years for farm owners, their animals and slaves as well. The homes were constructed as simple structures to live. However, as the farms became more productive and farmers gained commercial breakthrough, the structures were replaced with much bigger and impressive homes.
The style of construction was French Creole and Greek revival. The designs were meant to show off the wealthy status of their owners bearing curved stairs and detached structures. Shocking enough, indoor bathrooms were not incorporated in these designs and stairs were on the outside of a house. Kitchens too were on the outside the main house.
The large and extensive farms and houses nearest New Orleans are found along River Road. They were located in sprawling areas bearing amazing designs. In addition, factories for sugar and cotton were also in the same compound making the plantation self contained. However, as a result of civil war, sugar unprofitability and diseases of tobacco contributed to these houses were destroyed.
In 1925 however, restoration of houses began in Oak Valley. The extensive farm of St. Joseph is a family owned sugar cane farm began in 1877 and is still operational. Destrehan and Ormond plantations are just two miles apart and are some of the oldest. Houmas House is one of the most visited in the South. Nottoway is the largest of the farms housing 50 rooms. It was also the first to have a bathroom inside the house.
The impressive architecture and history of these homes is narrated by tour guides who show visitors around. The 1700s white gold which was sugar and its importance is also narrated. Some homes are open for the public to visit. Others offer bed and breakfast to the visitors. In addition, venues for weddings, parties and honeymoons are also available.
There is a different story and mystery for each of these farms and houses. The history of owners of these houses and their slaves are still alive in their houses. There are also events held periodically on the grounds. A tour through these plantations provides a feel of the year 1700.
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