This summer we had the opportunity to visit Oak Alley Plantation, in the Vacherie community, St. James Parish, Louisiana. After driving through severe but majestic rain storms, we stopped at this fascinating Greek Revival mansion completed in 1839, and its extensive environs.

the incredible allee at Oak Alley Plantation

We walked the grounds and examined the educational exhibit, “Slavery at Oak Alley”, which covers the history of slavery at Oak Alley Plantation. It was built when the sugar industry was flourishing, but following the Civil War, it was no longer economically viable, and the owner, Marie Therese Josephine Celina Pille Roman, nearly bankrupted the estate with her spending.

We then sat down to a leisurely lunch in the restaurant, which serves cajun and creole cuisine, before taking an interesting and informative tour of the home.

the boys at Oak Alley Plantation