Destrehan and Ormond Plantations

Two historic Antebellum Plantation Homes that are within 30 minutes of New Orleans are Destrehan Plantation and Ormond Plantation. Both are within two miles of each other, and are just 10 minutes from the New Orleans International (Moisant) Airport. If you visit, one, you may as well visit both, since they are so close.

Destrehan Plantation

Destrehan Plantation was built in 1787, originally of West Indies architecture, but later renovated to the then popular Greek Revival Style. It is the oldest documented plantation house left intact in the lower Mississippi Valley.

The plantation bears the name of its builder, Jean Noel Destrehan, who acquired the estate from his father-in-law, Robin de Longy. It was here that the process of producing granulated sugar was perfected, and helped to establish sugar cane as the major crop of the area, replacing indigo. After years of neglect, restoration is now continuing. Today, the house is open for guided tours, and is available for dinner parties, wedding receptions and special events.

Ormond Plantation

Claiming to be the oldest French West Indies style plantation in the lower Mississippi valley, Ormond was also built in the late 1700's. Like most of the early plantations of the area, it began as a farm for indigo, but later switched to the more profitable sugar cane crop.

Originally acquired as a French land grant, the plantation stretched from the Mississippi River to Lake Pontchartrain. During its long history, it was the focal point for parties and celebrations, a prize to be captured during the Civil War, makeshift housing for troops heading to the Battle of New Orleans, and more.

Today the estate is but a mere 16 acres, but is restored, as closely as possible, to the way it was during its prime. It is privately owned, and the owner lives in the house. Several rooms are available to guests as a Bed and Breakfast, allowing visitors to savor the atmosphere of the 19th century, with a view of the mighty Mississippi River from the upper gallery. It is becoming quite a popular place to have weddings and honeymoons. For added intrigue, Ormond, also, has its own ghost story.

History to be learned

Most people think of decadent opulence and pampered life-styles when they think of the plantations of the 18th and 19th centuries. It is sobering to consider that, among other things, there was no plumbing. A pitcher on the dresser held water for washing. Hot water had to be carried up to the rooms, and people would "go down for a bath" once a month (no indoor bathrooms).

Indoor toilet facilities didn't exist, so one had to trek to the "privy". The cold of winter made it seem too far, yet the heat of summer produced aromas that made it seem too close.

Food was prepared in a kitchen, separate from the main house, and carried inside to be served. To go to the second floor, one had to go outside to use the stairs - there were no inside stairs, either. Drinking water came from cisterns, which captured rainwater from the roof. All in all, I think that my modest life-style is far better than the life of luxury, enjoyed in the 19th century.

One of the most interesting features of the Destrehan Plantation tour is one of the rooms, which is preserved in a state that allows you to see the building methods. The walls are unfinished, showing the bare support for the plaster, and the ceiling is removed, showing the timbers of the attic. Today, with all of our modern materials and building methods, it is nice to see how, 250 years ago, buildings could be built that are more durable than those built today.