A Classic Antebellum Louisiana Plantation - Oak Alley

Jan 13

Oak Alley got its name from the double row of 28 live oak trees planted in the early 18th century between the home and the Mississippi River. François-Gabriel "Valcour" Aime called his plantation Bon Séjour. Known as the “King of Sugar”, and one of the wealthiest men in the South he establish the plantation for sugarcane. The property was then acquired by his brother-in-law, Jacques Roman, and in 1837 enslaved people began the building of the present ‘Big House’. When Jacques died, the plantation was managed by his wife Marie, who nearly bankrupted the estate. In 1859 her son, Henri, took control of the estate and tried to turn things around, but between the war and slavery ending, it was no longer economically viable. The plantation was put up for auction and sold, but the successive owner could not afford the upkeep and by the 1920’s the property was in bad shape. Andrew Stewart then acquires it as a gift to his wife, Josephine, who hires people to restore and modernize the house. The Stewarts ran Oak Alley Plantation as a cattle ranch and were the last owners to live in the ‘Big House’. In 1972, Josephine Stewart died and left the historic house and grounds to the Oak Alley Foundation to be opened to the public.

Here is what caught my eye, I hope you enjoy!

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The front facade of the “Big House” on the plantation.

The live oaks that line the driveway to the house

The “Big House” through the live oak alley

DTY Outdoor Living Aspen Eucalyptus Plantation Chair, Espresso

DTY

Oak Alley Plantation Cooking

By Oak Alley Plantation Restaurant

Toilet Timer by Katamco (Classic), Funny Gift for Men, Husband, Dad, Fathers Day, Birthday, Christmas Stocking Stuffer

Katamco, LLC

Plantation mansions were called “Big Houses” referencing the difference in stature and size compared to the enslaved dwellings and other outbuildings on the plantation. This is the ‘Big House’ front entrance.

Looking from the second floor balcony of the “Big House” towards the Mississippi River

The East Garden reflects the 20th century designs influenced by the last owner, Josephine Stewart

Looking from the from the east garden

This was taken near the sugarcane exhibit detailing how sugarcane was grown and processed.

Looking from the west garden which contains period plants of a 1840-1860 plantation garden

The Stewart Family graveyard is the final resting place for the plantation’s last resident owners and family members.

The next few images are of a few reconstructed enslaved staff buildings. The enslaved were the ones that built and maintained the plantation.

There is a self-guided exhibit that focuses on some of the individuals owned and kept on the plantation, including life after emancipation, living in the increasingly squalid housing as laborers until the 20th century.

Looking down the road past the enslaved quarters, to the ‘Big House’ in the distance.

What you should know:

Tickets can be bought online or in person.
One price includes parking, grounds and mansion tour.
‘Big House’ tours are timed entry and guided.
The plantation grounds and other exhibits are self-guided.
If you take an Uber to the plantation, be aware that there is no Uber service from the plantation area.
You could spend a couple of hours to an entire day here.
There are walking trails.
Restrooms are available.