The largest Antebellum mansion in the South, dating back to 1859, has been destroyed by a fire.
The fire at Nottoway Plantation in White Castle, LA—just outside Baton Rouge—broke out around 2pm on Thursday, May 15 and reduced the 160-year-old landmark to rubble.
It was first ignited in the south wing of the building, according to officials. Employees then reported seeing smoke after walking into a room of the museum on the second floor.
Fire officials believe the fire first started in one of the bedrooms, and while it was doused in about two hours, it started back up again in the evening. Crews stayed on the scene overnight to put out hot spots.
It took about about 30-40 firefighters from several parishes to put out the fire.
The owners of Nottoway Plantation initially told officials that they wanted to rebuild in line with historic preservation, WAFB-TV reports. However, they now say they are unsure because the structure has been completely destroyed.
The Nottoway Plantation is one of the largest antebellum homes in the South, and was built by enslaved people.
(WBRZ-TV)
(Nottoway Plantation)
Nottoway Plantation’s historic roots
The Nottoway Plantation is one of the largest historic mansions in the South. It’s located on the famous River Road between Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
The mansion, which sits on 31 acres, is known for its massive white columns and grand balconies that overlook the Mississippi River. On the other side, three-story rotundas overlooked the lawns, dotted with the large oak trees. The oldest tree on the property is about 162 years old—about the same age as the mansion, according to Nottoway’s resort website.
It’s also a piece of American history that stirs debate and dark memories. The plantation was once owned by John Hampden Rudolph, a sugar planter. The 64-room, 53,000 square foot property was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
It’s believed slaves helped build the home. By 1860, Randolph owned 155 enslaved Black people who helped maintain the plantation. During the Civil War, Nottoway Plantation was able to avoid any major damage.
“While its early history is undeniably tied to a time of great injustice, over the last several decades it evolved into a place of reflection, education, and dialogue,” said Iberville Parish President Chris Daigle, according to WBRZ. “Since the 1980s, it has welcomed visitors from around the world who came to appreciate its architecture and confront the legacies of its era.”
Throughout the decades, ownership of the property changed hands. Most recently, it was a hotel and resort, hosting wedding and special events. It also housed a museum with paintings and artifacts showing the history of the sprawling estate.
“As we process this tragedy, let us recommit ourselves to protecting and honoring our shared history — not just in grand structures, but in the values we carry forward,” said Daigle.
Fire officials remain on the scene looking into the cause which remains under investigation.
