Today we left New Orleans and headed for Baton Rouge. Along the way we decided to visit a plantation that was located near the River Road. Louisiana River Road. With many to choose from, we selected the Houmas Plantation. It was a great choice as the tour was done by a history major. This particular home was built by a very wealthy sugar planter during the 30 years before the Civil War. The Plantation began in the 1770's and the house pictured below was completed by 1840. Before the house was built there was a building behind this one which was attached, and became the kitchen. The house went through several owners and fell in disrepair and was finally purchased by Dr. George B. Crozat in 1940.
The plantation at one time had 12000 acres of land that was used for growing sugarcane that made the owners very rich, who were said to be the wealthiest in the US at the time. The property included many Live Oaks. This one is estimated to be 600 years old.
In the present house are many artifacts that were left in the home. The item below was an add on in an auction in which the buyer was bidding on another item and this was added just to get rid of it. It was layered in dark dust. When it was finally cleaned, it was a 67 pound Silver Sterling sculpture of Abraham Lincoln.
When cleaned up, it revealed the name of Gutzon Borglum, the creator and sculptor of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial
A grandfather clock that has 2 containers of Mercury added for weights.
Behind the Silver serving tray is a mirror for the women to do an ankle check to make sure their ankles were not exposed.
There about 100 weddings done here per year. The property has 3 buildings for visitors to have a meal that includes one of wedding size proportion.
This chair was designed for a military person to come in and sit while still wearing a sword on one side and a firearm on the other.
A table with legs designed like a Praying Mantis
The outside of the plantation's gardens has developed due to the same person, who was given free reign to rebuild the gardens on the property. He has worked there more than 40 years
There were some chickens on the property and even a Peacock to catch the eye of visitors., and as for the tour, Susan did an excellent job. These last 4 days in Louisiana have been an educational delight.
After leaving the plantation, we visited the Capitol of Louisiana - Baton Rouge.
This dugout Pirogue is one of 2 that came from a single Cypress Tree that was featured in the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition in New Orleans.
The view from above the Capitol building, that doesn't have a traditional dome, you can see in all directions. The Pentagon shaped building that is missing a side houses legislators when in session.
The extensive grounds in front of the Capitol. In the middle is the grave of Governor Huey Long who was shot to death by an assailant while in the Capitol building.
Louisiana is one of 5 states that joined the Union with 15 stripes in the US Flag.
Today's Capitol.
Thanks for visiting Grammie's travels.
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