We took a road trip to New Orleans last weekend. For part of one day, we explored the Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie, Louisiana.
Here is the "big house."
An admission ticket allows you to walk around most of the grounds. This is a working blacksmith shop. They have demonstrations, but we weren't there at the right time. The plantation foundation is currently recreating slave cabins. They use historic construction methods and tools of the era, including what is made here:
There are several examples of slave cabins. This one is actually two one-room cabins divided by a wall that includes a double fireplace.
Here is the view of the "Oak Alley" with your back to the big house. You can see that the path ends at a small green hill:
A walk to the end of the path reveals this view of a river levee. The people standing on it give you an idea of its height...which isn't much.
When you're on top of the levee, you see it is all that stands between the residents of Vacherie and the Mississippi River. Kind of scary when you think about it.
...but when you turn your back to the levee and back toward Oak Alley this is the incredible view.
There were tours of the Big House, but we didn't partake. Our teenager was being a teenager and the high winds weren't helping the situation. Still, I'm glad we made this visit.
All we can do is expose our kids to history and hope these experiences stick in their brains. They may not act interested at the time, but I have faith that they will draw on these memories when it matters down the road.
I had the opportunity to visit Oak Alley and Laura Creole Plantation last April and felt like I had gone back in time. What a testament to the original families that their homes are still standing. I've always wondered what those families would think of thousands of tourists being paraded around their homes...I adored Oak Alley. The house inside is as beautiful as the outside. It's an incredible place!
ReplyDeleteI wish I'd had more time to drive around and explore the area. I'll have to do that on my own since those with me don't love history as much as I do.
DeleteI have visited Oak Alley twice. I love the house and grounds.
ReplyDeleteMe, too. Thanks for the comment. :)
DeleteWe were there about 8 years ago, too. Absolutely beautiful plantation but I agree, awfully close to the river!
ReplyDeleteI guess you just get used to the proximity, but there's not much between you and all that water!
DeleteThank you all for the kind words! We work hard to keep up the historic grounds and Big House antebellum mansion, and we love it when folks share compliments with us! Staff of Oak Alley Foundation.
ReplyDeleteThank YOU for maintaining the beautiful grounds and preserving the area's history. It is a pleasure to share my experience and photos in the hope others will also pay a visit.
DeleteI think it was Laura we visited last year. It gave we foreigners an insight into your history. We drove quite a way down the road by the levee and saw a few plantation homes from the road. We have Oak Alley on our bucket list for our next time in New Orleans.
ReplyDelete