Fire destroys Nottoway Plantation House in Louisiana

Published: Friday, May 16, 2025 at 9:40 pm

Historic Nottoway Plantation House in Louisiana Destroyed by Fire

A devastating fire has consumed the historic Nottoway Plantation House in Louisiana, a landmark that once stood as the South's largest antebellum mansion. The blaze, which erupted on Thursday, ravaged the iconic structure located along the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, leaving behind a scene of destruction.

The fire, which required the efforts of nearly a dozen fire departments, caused a "total loss," according to owner Dan Dyess, a Louisiana attorney. The mansion, a 53,000-square-foot building, was a popular tourist destination, hosting weddings and events. Its website described it as "the South's largest remaining antebellum mansion." The home, built in 1859 by John Hampden Randolph, featured a three-story rotunda, giant white columns, and hand-carved Italian marble fireplaces.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal. Authorities have confirmed that no other properties were damaged, and other structures on the 31-acre property have been preserved.

The loss of Nottoway Plantation House is a significant blow to the region. Iberville Parish President Chris Daigle highlighted the mansion's importance to the local tourism economy and its national significance. He also acknowledged the complex history of the site, which was built and operated with the labor of enslaved people. Daigle noted that the site had evolved into a place of reflection and education, welcoming visitors from around the world to confront the legacies of its era.

BNN's Perspective: The destruction of Nottoway Plantation House is a tragedy, not just for its architectural significance but also for the loss of a space that, in recent decades, was used to confront the difficult history of slavery. While the loss is undeniable, it's important to remember that the story of this place, and the difficult history it represents, will continue to be told.

Keywords: Nottoway Plantation, Louisiana, fire, antebellum mansion, historic, Mississippi River, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, plantation house, fire damage, tourism, historical site, Dan Dyess, Iberville Parish, Chris Daigle, enslaved people, architecture, history, loss, investigation

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