Past Lane Plus is an extension of Past Lane Travels, a history/travel blog. Past Lane Plus features extra photos of historical sites that didn’t make it into the regular posts.
One of the most memorable Southern Plantations I’ve ever visited is Nottoway in White Castle, LA.
Just look at these pictures and you’ll understand why!
John Hampden Randolph first purchased the land for his future castle in 1855 because he wanted a more “fitting home” to honor his position and stature.
The house faces the Mississippi River, which was a major transportation waterway of the time.
The Inside Is Just As Spectacular
The outside of Nottoway Plantation is amazing, but the inside is just as spectacular.
The main house consists of 64 rooms spread throughout its 53,000 square feet. It has six interior staircases, three modern bathrooms, 22 massive square columns, 165 doors and 200 windows.
Sound big?
To put it in context, the house contains more than an acre of floor space spread out over three floors. It originally sat on 400 acres of highland and 620 acres of swamp.
The White Ballroom
The semi-circular White Ballroom contains Corinthian columns and hand-cast archways.
Randolph had it painted completely white to show off the natural beauty of his seven daughters. Six of his daughters were married in the room.
Two fireplaces with hand-carved rococo white marble mantles grace each side of the ballroom.
An original mirror still hangs on the wall, once used by women to make sure their hoops weren’t showing beneath their skirts.
If you love Southern Plantations, check out these tours in Louisiana.
Beautiful By Moonlight…
Amazingly, it was a full moon when I visited Nottoway, so I wandered around the grounds by moonlight.
I stayed in a beautiful cottage on the property, but there are also rooms available in the mansion house. Needless to say, it is a beloved wedding venue.
… And At Sunrise
I also made sure to see how the plantation looked at sunrise. I walked down to the levee and took this picture with my back to the Mississippi River.
And The Trees…
Of course, I have to show photos of the trees!
There are 16 majestic oak trees still standing at Nottoway, the oldest estimated at 163 years—the same age as the house.
In 2015, 11 of the tree were registered with the Live Oak Society of the Louisiana Garden Club Federation.
I hope you enjoyed this look at Nottoway Plantation! You can read the full story on Past Lane Travels.
I love the photos and information.