A visit to New Orleans is not complete without a tour of the plantations. These farms and their houses provide an insight into the rich history of this part of country. Listed in the National Historic Landmarks, they are known for their rich history, architectural marvel and association with other crucial historic events and people. New Orleans plantation tours are for anyone who wishes to experience the year 1700 today.
1700 marks the year that most of these plantations were began. During this time, the economy was agriculture based and more farmers and arable land were required to drive this new economy. There has been a variety of crops grown on these farms on large scale over the years. The first was Indigo which was grown to provide a 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.
Every one of these houses and farm has its own unique story to tell and its own mystery. The architecture of this period in time is amazing. In addition, the culture and history of people who lived in this area is alive in their homes. Special events may be organized on the grounds at different times of year. A tour to plantations in New Orleans is the closest you will get to the year 1700.
1700 marks the year that most of these plantations were began. During this time, the economy was agriculture based and more farmers and arable land were required to drive this new economy. There has been a variety of crops grown on these farms on large scale over the years. The first was Indigo which was grown to provide a 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.
Every one of these houses and farm has its own unique story to tell and its own mystery. The architecture of this period in time is amazing. In addition, the culture and history of people who lived in this area is alive in their homes. Special events may be organized on the grounds at different times of year. A tour to plantations in New Orleans is the closest you will get to the year 1700.
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