Destrehan Plantation

One of the fun things about my job is that I get to be a part of the fabric of the history of Louisiana. One of my clients is Destrehan Plantation.

This majestic antebellum home is only 8 miles from the New Orleans' airport. Destrehan Plantation was established in 1787 and is on listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is the oldest documented plantation home in the lower Mississippi River Valley.

It's Executive Director is a lovely, dynamic woman named Nancy . Nancy has a true passion for overseeing all the activities of Destrehan Plantation. I got to sit across the desk from her and listen and learn all about the behind the scenes things that go on. It is fascinating stuff.

I wish you could have seen the CD Nancy made when they were redoing the roof of the plantation. There she is big as life on the top of the roof. That Nancy is one brave woman!

Seeing the gorgeous trees and lush grounds makes it easy to imagine living on the plantation during the 1780s. You can feel the history of the place speaking to you.

Mark your calendars for their 38th Annual Fall Festival. This is an event you don't want to miss. Saturday and Sunday, November 14-15, 9-4. You can click on their website for all the info Destrehan Plantation. It is a great website.

Here is a schedule of their daily events and demonstrations: Things change, so call ahead and double check if there is a particular demonstration you want to see.

OPEN HEARTH COOKING-Mondays

The Cuisine building was recently completed. Cooking was done using various pots, kettles and Dutch ovens. An entire meal could be prepared with the use of a Dutch oven, a pot with a lid. A main fire was used to create hot coals or embers that were placed on the lid or under the pot to slow cook the food.

BOUSILLAGE CONSTRUCTION-Tuesdays

The method and materials used in the construction of the plantation house was bousillage entre’pateaux ( mud between post). The bousillage is made of clay, river sand and moss, to hold the mixture together. The bousillage formed a solid mud wall that was plastered and then painted.


INDIGO DYEING-Wednesdays

Destrehan Plantation was originally an indigo plantation. Indigo was grown, processed and exported from Destrehan Plantation to various parts of the world. It was not a very profitable industry so Plantation owner Jean Noel Destrehan began growing sugar cane as his major cash crop.


CANDLE MAKING-Thursdays

Candle making was a part of the everyday life for all households away from the cities. Candle makers, or chandlers as they were often called, went from home to home to perform this task. Candles were made of flax suet(animal fat) and bees wax and sometimes scented with bayberry. Candles were hand dipped or made with molds.

AFRICAN AMERICAN HERBAL REMEDIES - Just as Africans brought their customs, traditions and religious beliefs with them from Africa, they also brought their medicinal remedies and cures. These remedies were highly valued by the white population of the plantation. This demonstration shows how honey, cow manure, leeches, herbs and other products were used as remedies. Some of these remedies are still used today. I am not to sure about that cow manure part!

CARPENTRY - Construction methods of the 1780's are demonstrated with models and actual tools, including millsawn, hand hewn, the mortise and tenon joints.

Once each weekday and on Saturday, visitors are treated to a trade demonstration by costumed artisans of long-forgotten skills that were a vital part of everyday life centuries ago.

Destrehan Plantation has regained many authentic out-buildings. The largest of these, the Mule Barn was donated by a neighboring plantation and reconstructed on site. This structure houses the many weddings, dinner parties, group lunches and special events the Plantation hosts.

Special group tours for children can be arranged through the Plantation’s award winning Heritage Education Program. A vintage garden is located on the grounds.

Tour Hours:
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, except on major holidays
13034 River Road, Destrehan, LA 70047-5202
(985) 764-9315