Evergreen Plantation

     Even during the early 1800s, travelers were amazed by the string of splendid mansions and plantations along Louisiana's River Road. As the Mississippi meandered eastward toward New Orleans, both sides of the river were lined with white pillared mansions and miles of cropland. Dependent on slave labor, these mansions were complete with lush formal gardens, lines of oak trees draped in Spanish moss, and rows of slave houses conveniently tucked behind the plantation home. Today, the Evergreen Mansion is one of the major plantation complexes still in existence. Totally remodeled in 1832 by Pierce C. Becnel, the original French Creole home was expanded to incorporate Doric columns and a double winding staircase leading to fanlight doorways.
     Today, the Evergreen Plantation is the most complete 19th century plantation complex in the South. Along with the main house and a collection of 37 buildings, the plantation has earned the highest historic designation in the country. Located near the town of Edgard on Route 18, visitors will be able to view a true antebellum estate, with its pigeonniers, a privy, garconnieres, detached kitchen, guest home, and an overseer's house. Also, two rows of slave cabins offer the most detailed look into a pre Civil War period slave village. This Greek Revival style mansion, one of the most outstanding representations of an antebellum plantation, was once available for tours through reservation only. Fortunately today, public tours are at held at 9:30 am, 11:30 am and 2:00 pm, Monday through Saturday.

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