A fire destroyed the historic Nottoway House in Louisiana
17 may 2025 в 01:13
The Nottoway Plantation House in White Castle, Louisiana, caught fire on Thursday, May 15, and the damage appears to be irreversible. Iberia Parish President Chris Daigle shared this news on Facebook the same day, noting that while «the early history of this landmark is inseparable from a time of great injustice», it has «evolved into a place of reflection, education, and dialogue».
«Since the 1980s, [Nottoway Plantation House] has welcomed visitors from around the world who came to admire its architecture and confront the legacy of its era», - wrote Daigle. «It served as both a cautionary monument and a testament to the importance of preserving history — even the painful parts — so that future generations can learn and grow from it».
Daigle added that he is «deeply grateful that there were no reported injuries as a result of the fire», thanks to «brave firefighters, emergency services, parish staff, and others who quickly responded and did everything possible to contain the fire and protect nearby structures».
«The loss of Nottoway is not just a loss for Iberia Parish, but for the entire state of Louisiana», - continued Daigle. «It was a cornerstone of our tourism economy and a place of national significance. Its absence will be deeply felt — by our community, our state, and many who found meaning in its preservation. As we mourn this tragedy, let us recommit ourselves to the protection and appreciation of our shared history — not only in grand structures, but in the values we pass on».
Find out below what happened to the estate, more about its history, and what caused the fire.
The Nottoway Plantation House was a historic landmark in White Castle, Louisiana, built by enslaved workers in 1859 for plantation owner John Hampden Randolph. Randolph financially supported the Confederacy and owned over 50 slaves, despite the emancipation of all slaves after the Civil War.
After passing through several owners over the past century, Australian billionaire Paul Ramsay ultimately purchased the property and turned it into a tourist attraction.
The house burned down on May 15. According to various sources, the fire started in the southern part of the estate and resulted in the complete destruction of the house. However, surrounding structures, including cottages, a ballroom, and a cemetery, remained intact.
At the time of publication, it is unclear what caused the fire that destroyed the Nottoway Plantation House
«Since the 1980s, [Nottoway Plantation House] has welcomed visitors from around the world who came to admire its architecture and confront the legacy of its era», - wrote Daigle. «It served as both a cautionary monument and a testament to the importance of preserving history — even the painful parts — so that future generations can learn and grow from it».
Daigle added that he is «deeply grateful that there were no reported injuries as a result of the fire», thanks to «brave firefighters, emergency services, parish staff, and others who quickly responded and did everything possible to contain the fire and protect nearby structures».
«The loss of Nottoway is not just a loss for Iberia Parish, but for the entire state of Louisiana», - continued Daigle. «It was a cornerstone of our tourism economy and a place of national significance. Its absence will be deeply felt — by our community, our state, and many who found meaning in its preservation. As we mourn this tragedy, let us recommit ourselves to the protection and appreciation of our shared history — not only in grand structures, but in the values we pass on».
Find out below what happened to the estate, more about its history, and what caused the fire.
The Nottoway Plantation House was a historic landmark in White Castle, Louisiana, built by enslaved workers in 1859 for plantation owner John Hampden Randolph. Randolph financially supported the Confederacy and owned over 50 slaves, despite the emancipation of all slaves after the Civil War.
After passing through several owners over the past century, Australian billionaire Paul Ramsay ultimately purchased the property and turned it into a tourist attraction.
The house burned down on May 15. According to various sources, the fire started in the southern part of the estate and resulted in the complete destruction of the house. However, surrounding structures, including cottages, a ballroom, and a cemetery, remained intact.
At the time of publication, it is unclear what caused the fire that destroyed the Nottoway Plantation House
© Kolganov Andrey
