Nottoway Plantation

Nottoway Plantation is at 31025 SR 1. Nottoway was considered one of the wonders of the antebellum South. John Hampden Randolph, a wealthy sugarcane planter, commissioned New Orleans architect Henry Howard to design and build the most palatial home on the Mississippi for his wife and 11 children. When completed in 1859, Nottoway, the center of a self-sufficient 7,000-acre plantation, was the largest house in Louisiana at 53,000 square feet.

The three-story, 64-room mansion, a blend of Greek Revival and Italianate styles, offered such conveniences as gas lamps, indoor bathrooms, an Italian marble fireplace, intricate hand-carved molding, massive columns and an intercom system that employed silver call bells in every room—all unusual and advanced amenities for the 19th century.

Spared from destruction during the Civil War, Nottoway has been restored and furnished in period. Its 200 windows command views of the river, lawns and old live oaks. Visitors may explore the residence on a 45-minute tour led by a costumed guide or via a self-paced, self-guiding audio tour that is available in English, French or German.

Note: Mansion tour is not recommended for those with physical impairments.

Guided tours are available. Food is available. Time: Allow 1 hour, 30 minutes minimum.