During your time at the Destrehan Plantation you will find yourself immersed in the rich history of Louisiana and discover what it is like to live in another time as you are guided through the lovingly restored main house and its exhibits by a friendly and entertaining costumed guide. After your guided tour of the main house, wander among the other authentic buildings on the plantation grounds, see the plantations daily demonstration, or browse through authentic gifts in the Destrehan Plantation’s Gift Shop.
A Guided Tour of the Destrehan Plantation
Travel from the beginnings of the Destrehan Plantation during the French and Spanish Colonial periods to the antebellum grandeur of the sugar barons, to the havoc of the Civil War, to the rebirth of the Destrehan Plantation after reconstruction. During you guided tour of the Destrehan Plantation’s main house a costumed interpreter will share fascinating stories about the Destrehan family, historic events that occurred at the site and information about the unique architectural features of the southern plantation.
The Jefferson Room
One of the plantations’ main attractions is a display of one of the most important documents in Louisiana’s history. The Jefferson Document, located within the walls of the main house in the Jefferson Room, is a document signed by Thomas Jefferson. The document dated 1804 assigns four men, one of whom is Jean Noel Destrehan, to the Orleans Territorial Council. Other displays in the Jefferson Room include quality reproductions of other documents which are of great importance to the history of Louisiana.
Herbert J. Harvey, Jr. Legacy Room
Delve deeper into the legacy of the Destrehan family. The Herbert J. Harvey Jr. Legacy Room features artifacts and documents belonging to the Destrehan family and a touchscreen computer system with over 600 images of Destrehan family documents available for historical research.
1811 Slave Revolt Museum and Historical Research and Education Center
Learn about the Creole system of slave management, Louisiana statehood, life on a sugar plantation, French Colonial architecture and the Rost Home Colony through the 1811 Slave Revolt Museum and Historical Research and Education Center’s works of art, display items and photographs.
Outbuildings and Gardens
After you tour of the Destrehan Plantation, wander its rolling lawns covered in moss-filled oaks. The largest outbuilding, the Mule Barn was donated by a neighboring plantation and reconstructed on site. Two slave quarters can also be found on the plantation’s grounds, one of which is thought to date back to the Civil War. You will also come across well-kept vintage and vegetable gardens maintained by local Master Gardeners.
Period Craft Demonstrations
Step back in time and see skills that were a vital part of everyday life centuries ago during your plantation tour. The Destrehan Plantation’s daily craft and trade demonstrations by costumed artisans include: indigo dyeing, candle making, African American herbal remedies, open hearth cooking, bousillage construction, carpentry and wood working, sugar cane processing, weaving and blacksmithing.
Whether you want to take something special home to remember your time at the Destrehan Plantation, or something for a loved one, you are sure to find the perfect gifts and souvenirs at the Destrehan Plantation’s Gift Shop.