Embark on a captivating and educational journey through Louisiana's rich history with a visit to Laura Plantation and Whitney Plantation. This 7.5-hour tour takes you deep into the past, exploring the significance and stories behind two of the most important plantations in the region.
Laura Plantation, formerly known as Duparc Plantation, is a meticulously restored Creole plantation located on the West Bank of the Mississippi River near Vacherie, Louisiana. The plantation boasts a stunning early 19th-century Creole-style big house and several original outbuildings, including two authentic slave cabins. As one of only 15 plantation complexes in Louisiana with so many complete structures, Laura Plantation is a true gem. It holds a prestigious place on the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the Louisiana African-American Heritage Trail.
The Whitney Plantation Historic District, dedicated to the history of slavery in the southern United States, is a profoundly moving museum. Situated near Wallace in Saint John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana, this district features the main house and outbuildings of the plantation established in 1750 by German immigrants Ambrose Haydel and his wife. The museum, which opened its doors to the public in December 2014, was founded by trial attorney John Cummings, who invested over $8 million into this project over 15 years. Under the guidance of Senegalese scholar Dr. Ibrahima Seck, the museum brings the harrowing stories of former slaves to life through imaginative exhibits and original art, including life-size sculptures of children representing those interviewed for the Federal Writers' Project.
Both plantations offer a comprehensive look at the complex and often painful history of the region, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the past and its enduring legacy.
