Friday, October 10, 2014

All You Need To Know About New Orleans Plantation Tours

By Jocelyn Davidson


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.

Years later, cotton, tobacco, sugarcane and other commercial crops were grown. The main staple food for farm owners, animals and slaves was rice and corn were grown all year round as a source of food. The houses that were constructed initially were just simple structures. As farming gained momentum and became more productive, these structures were replaced by much more complex and impressive structures.

Most of the homes are a mixture of Creole and Greek revival columns. Designs such as curved stairs and semi detached parts were the styles that prevailed in those years and were symbol for wealth. Surprisingly, many of these homes did not have indoor bathrooms and kitchens were separate from the main house. The stairs to the upper floors were located to the outside of a 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.

Reconstruction of houses began in Oak Valley in 1925. One of them is at St. Joseph which has a still operational sugarcane farm. Destrehan and Ormond are other plantations near New Orleans and are about only two miles apart. There are probably the oldest in the region. One of the largest is Nottoway which houses up to fifty rooms.

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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