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.
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.
The style of design common in this period of history was a mixture of French Creole with Greek revival. The stairs were curved and some parts of particular house were detached. This was the design that was meant to show off wealth by the owners. Surprising enough, the houses lacked indoor bathrooms and one had to get out of the house to get to the stairs to access the second floor.
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.
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.
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.
The style of design common in this period of history was a mixture of French Creole with Greek revival. The stairs were curved and some parts of particular house were detached. This was the design that was meant to show off wealth by the owners. Surprising enough, the houses lacked indoor bathrooms and one had to get out of the house to get to the stairs to access the second floor.
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.
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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