We're THANKFUL for you!- Nov 2017

A Glimpse into the Past

General Wade Hampton Era (1811-1835)

Daniel Clark sells Houmas House Plantation to his friend General Wade Hampton in 1811. Gen. Hampton was a Revolutionary war hero from South Carolina. In addition to Houmas Plantation, he also purchased land in Mississippi.

By 1823 he was reported to be the "wealthiest man in the Southern states" by the Niles' Weekly Register. He continued to own several cotton plantations in South Carolina while quickly growing the sugar production at Houmas Plantation. By 1817 he was able to ship raw sugar to New York, Baltimore and Liverpool from the river banks at the plantation.

General Hampton's most notable contribution to the plantation was the reconstruction of the mansion to the structure as we see it today. His son, Wade II, helped construct this Colonial Revival mansion.

To the first floor they added two large parlors and an extension of the center hall. The exterior walls are of solid brick. The second story is added, consisting of six rooms and a grand hall. Fourteen massive Tuscan columns surround the front and sides of the mansion creating deep galleries, which are extensions of the home's living area. Then the third floor is built, extending over the galleries. Seven arched dormers pierce the third-floor roof. The roof line is completed with a Cupola and Belvedere which are supported with an engineered cable system. On the interior, the spiral staircase ascends to the third floor. And the home has ten fireplaces with imported French Marble mantels.

General Wade Hampton I would own Houmas Plantation until his death in 1835. He left the plantation and all other businesses to his son Wade Hampton II.

*Excerpt from Houmas House Book by Jim Blanchard

Annual Thanksgiving Buffet

Each year Houmas House Plantation celebrates Thanksgiving with a succulent feast fit for a king..or a Sugar Baro n. This year will be no different! Complete with everything you would expect--- Roasted Breast of Duck with Praline Sauce, Sliced Ham with Cane Syrup Glaze, and Grits a nd Veal Grillades just to name a few. Reservations are filled early, so make

yours soon by calling 225-473-9380.

Thankful to Share Our History With You!

I like to imagine what the former owners of Houmas House from the late 1700's and early 1800's would think of their Sugar Palace now. They would be amazed by how massive the mossy Live Oaks are, how the Mississippi river has turned and changed shape and all the growth that has taken over the thousands of acres of sugarcane fields.

What do you think they would think about running water at the quick turn of a faucet? Or an entire room lit up by the flip of a switch?

I would be so proud to show them how we honor their legacy to this day. We still have some original furniture in the home, their formal china on display and have brought the mansion back to its glory from the days of being the largest sugar producing plantation in the South. I think they would agree that we are living the life of a modern day Sugar Baron.

If you have not visited Houmas House lately, plan a trip soon. There's always something new to see. Expanded gardens, the Inn, revamped menus in multiple restaurants are just a few reasons to travel down the Historic River Road and make a stop at Houmas House. See you soon.