A historic mansion in Louisiana was severely damaged by a fire on Thursday, leaving much of the structure in ruins. The Nottoway Plantation House, built in 1859, was located along the Mississippi River, about 65 miles northwest of New Orleans. This grand estate was a popular resort and event venue, known as the largest remaining antebellum mansion in the South.
The fire broke out and quickly engulfed the building, prompting nearly a dozen fire departments from nearby towns to respond. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported. Iberville Parish President Chris Daigle shared updates on social media, confirming that the flames had been contained and that no other properties were affected.
The owner of the mansion, attorney Dan Dyess, expressed his heartbreak over the loss. He described the situation as a “total loss,” lamenting the time and resources he had invested in the property. Eyewitness photos showed a large orange blaze consuming the upper part of the mansion and thick smoke billowing into the sky.
The Nottoway Plantation House was not only an architectural marvel, featuring a three-story rotunda with white columns and Italian marble fireplaces, but it also held a significant place in history. Daigle noted the mansion’s ties to a troubling past, as it was built by enslaved Black people who worked on the surrounding sugar plantation. Records indicate that in 1860, 155 enslaved individuals were held at the site.
Despite its dark history, in recent decades, the mansion had become a place for reflection and education. It attracted visitors from around the world who came to learn about its architecture and the legacies of its past. Daigle emphasized the importance of preserving such historical sites, even those connected to painful memories, so future generations can learn from them.
As authorities begin their investigation into the cause of the fire, the community is left to mourn the loss of a landmark that played a vital role in their tourism economy and cultural heritage. Other structures on the plantation grounds remain intact, offering a glimmer of hope for the preservation of this historic site.