A Glimpse Of The Past Through Baton Rouge Historic Homes

A Glimpse of the Past Through Baton Rouge Historic Homes

Summary: The historic homes of Baton Rouge are one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. They are a testament to the magnificent Southern architecture of its time, and provide clues to the rich culture of the South.

Baton Rouge, historic homes

Article Body: Here is an interesting fact. Did you know that the city of Baton Rouge is divided into parishes instead of counties? This is all thanks to the city's rich history. Wandering around the streets of Baton Rouge, you can gaze at the abundant historical structures that decorate the city. It is almost like taking a trip down memory lane.

When talking about Baton Rouge historic homes, the Magnolia Mound Plantation comes right to mind. This French Creole house was built in , but has maintained its original plan and charm for more than years. The entire house was constructed using cypress beams as support and flooring. It is a testament to the unique, outstanding quality of old, Southern architecture. Currently, the Magnolia Mound Plantation is the site of educational tours and courses designed to teach visitors and school students the rich French Creole culture that has shaped much of southern Louisiana. I still remember my field trip there as an elementary student. The intricate cotton loom and other historical antiques were beautifully displayed throughout the wooden mansion to provide a romantic experience into the distant past.

Also noteworthy among the Baton Rouge historic homes is the Nottoway Plantation. Located just above the Mississippi River, this huge mansion shows an unorthodox blend of ancient Greek architecture and more modern designs. Built in , the Nottoway Plantation possesses many characteristics which were rare back then. It is truly an architectural wonder for its time.

Famous for being the oldest plantation home ever built and recorded in the Mississippi Valley area, the Destrehan Plantation has endured both colonial and the civil war to hold on to its splendor since its establishment in .

In terms of design and color, the San Francisco Plantation is undeniably the most unique of the genuinely-restored Baton Rouge historic homes. Constructed in , this popular landmark features an Slave Cabin, an Schoolhouse, and a Museum Store, all situated amongst year old Oak trees. It is truly an interesting site to be visit.

Myrtles Plantation is another famous historic home in Baton Rouge, but for a different reason than the homes mentioned above. The Myrtles Plantation ranked tops as one of the countrys most popular Haunted Houses. Built in , this -century old plantation boasts a -foot veranda, extravagant French furnishings, crystal chandelier, hand-painted glass, and of course, its ghosts.

Once upon a time, tours offered on the Laura Plantation were ranked as the Best History Tour in the US. Nowadays, the Laura plantation still lives up to its reputation. Constructed in , its buildings feature salve quarters that fully exhibit the lifestyle of Creoles and slaves during that period.

The Baton Rouge historic homes speak truth to the citys rich, past life. Not only do the homes educate us about the past, but they also provide us with something magical to help motivate our imaginations.