Historic Homes of Louisiana
Many of the state's amazing historic homes remain intact, and are meticulously maintained and furnished with beautiful period pieces.
These classic homes and gardens are located all over the state, with large concentrations along the Great River Road, across south and central Louisiana, and between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Others are located in West Feliciana Parish around the St. Francisville area, and along Bayou Teche near New Iberia.
Historic Louisiana Homes Near Baton Rouge & New Orleans
 Oak Alley on the Mississippi River 3645 Highway 18 (Great River Road), Vacherie, Louisiana USA Oak Alley website (Photograph courtesy of Oak Alley Plantation) |
 San Francisco on the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Louisiana (Photograph courtesy of the LA Office of Tourism) |
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St. Francisville Area Historic Homes
The St. Francisville area is rich in history, having been settled in 1809 on the bluffs above the banks of the Mississippi River. This small town is situated just north of Baton Rouge on U.S. Highway 61, the Great River Road. It features many antique stores, restaurants and B&Bs, in addition to the many homes available for tours.
St. Francisville and the surrounding countrysides offer a number of historic home tours at venues such as:
Rosedown 12501 Highway 10 |
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Oakley Located within Audubon Memorial Park, 4 1/2 miles southeast of St. Francisville on State Hwy. 965, off US Hwy. 61. Phone 225.635.3739 |
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The Myrtles 7747 U.S. Highway 61 |
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The Cottage Located on U. S. Highway 61, six miles north of St. Francisville |
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Afton Villa St. Francisville, Louisiana Although a fire in 1963 destroyed this gothic antebellum mansion, the gardens at Afton Villa are among the most famous and picturesque in the state. |
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Historic Homes in the New Iberia Area
New Iberia is the location of the beautiful Shadows on the Teche.
A simple porticoed facade of eight columns marks the exterior of the facade, and help to support a second floor verandah.
Many other lovely, historic homes are located along Bayou Teche, and throughout the city. Nearby is the Jefferson Home at Rip Van Winkle Gardens.
 Shadows on the Teche in New Iberia, Louisiana 317 East Main Street • New Iberia, Louisiana 70560 • 337.369.6446 Shadows on the Teche website (Photograph courtesy of the LA Office of Tourism) |
 Joseph Jefferson Mansion at Jefferson Island, Louisiana 5505 Rip Van Winkle Road, New Iberia, LA Phone 337.359.8525 Rip Van Winkle Gardens website (Photograph courtesy of the LA Office of Tourism) |
Beautiful home on historic Bayou Teche New Iberia, Louisiana Photographed and Copyright by the Author |
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Old live oak tree, touching the ground, in New Iberia, Louisiana Photographed and Copyright by the Author |
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Historical marker of the former home of Frederick Larned Gates New Iberia, Louisiana Photographed and Copyright by the Author |
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Oaklawn Manor On Bayou Teche in Franklin, Louisiana 3296 E. Oaklawn Drive |
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Historic Homes and Sites in Central and North Louisiana
Surviving historic homes exist all over Louisiana, including the central and north sections. Kent House is located in Alexandria, and near Natchitoches is Melrose.
 Beau Fort |
The Narcisse Prud’homme Home or Beau Fort as it is known today is one of the jewels of the Cane River National Heritage Area. Beau Fort is an early Creole-influenced residence built between 1790 and 1821. It is one of the oldest homes located along Cane River in Natchitoches Parish and reflects the region’s French Creole history and architecture. Visit the website of Beau Fort plantation
The National Historic Landmark District includes 33 blocks in the heart of Natchitoches. In addition, the Cane River National Heritage Trail has become a popular destination, linking various historical sites and area homes.
Kent House 3601 Bayou Rapides Road |
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Melrose 3533 Highway 119 |
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Lost in TimeThe ravages of time, disrepair and fire have ended many historic homes in Louisiana. We had the privilege of dining there in its time as a fine restaurant, circa 1972. |
Seen here is a vintage matchbook cover of Elmwood, located in Jefferson Parish at 5400 River Road. Originally built in 1822, it burned in 1978.
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Have plans to tour Louisiana homes and swamps?
Visitors to Louisiana often experience the Bayou State firsthand, by touring its magnificent homes, and swamps!
The lush growth in a Louisiana swamp is indescribable. You have to see it to believe it.
In the greater New Orleans area, there are many swamp and historic home tour options in communities such as Marrero, Westwego, Braithwaite, Lafitte, Des Allemands and Laplace.
Others historic home and swamp tours originate in South Louisiana cities such as Breaux Bridge, Henderson, Slidell, Houma and Thibodaux.
The most impressive objects in the swamp are the cypress trees which are very graceful in their structure, with their reddish bark, exquisitely bent branches, and delicately fine leaves.
Besides the trees and abundant fauna, there are a variety of alligators, turtles, snakes, birds and other wildlife.
Read more about swamp tours in South Louisiana.
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For more information on Louisiana Historic homes
Louisiana Office of Tourism |