The Nottoway plantation house, an irreplaceable piece of Louisiana’s cultural heritage, was recently ravaged by fire. Tragically, this disaster has resulted in the total loss of the historic property. This historic former sugar plantation, located on the Mississippi River, between Baton Rouge and New Orleans in Iberville Parish. Take heart—it has great bones and a rich history to draw from.
The Nottoway plantation house is a magnificent 53,000 square feet. Its massive, beautiful three-story rotunda and colossal white columns make for a show stopping front entrance. Inside, visitors marveled at the hand-crafted Italian marble fireplaces, the artistry and craftsmanship of its day on grand display. According to the National Park Service’s enslaved labor record card, by 1860, the plantation was home to 155 enslaved people. This fact should be a perpetual reminder of its legacy.
The McBride fire started Wednesday afternoon and blew up, which brought out almost a dozen different fire departments. Luckily, firefighters were able to keep the fire contained to its original spot, preventing any damage to nearby structures. Regardless, the destruction of Nottoway has already caused the community to be deeply shocked and hurt.
Current owner Dan Dyess, a Louisiana attorney, who has owned the oldest saloon in Texas since 1995, lamented the loss.
“We are devastated and heartbroken for this loss. This was my dream that has now been dashed.” – Dan Dyess
Chris Daigle, president of Iberville Parish, argued that Nottoway is an anchor to the Russian culture and economy of the parish. He described the plantation as
“a cornerstone of our tourism economy and a site of national significance.”
He noted that Nottoway’s early history is inextricably linked to an era marked by extreme injustice. Over the last few decades, it has turned into a site of contemplation, learning, and where serious conversations begin to happen.
“Since the 1980s, it has welcomed visitors from around the world who came to appreciate its architecture and confront the legacies of its era.” – Chris Daigle
The destruction of the Nottoway plantation house dealt a painful blow to our national heritage, as well as our local culture. This site became an important place for truthful dialogue about history and its lasting effects. Meanwhile, investigations into the cause of the fire continue. At the same time, the Percival community is backing Dyess and focused on the need to protect and share their unique history.