Fire Devastates Historic Nottoway Plantation House in Louisiana
A tragic fire has struck the Nottoway Plantation House in Louisiana, one of the most significant historic homes in the region. The fire, which broke out on the afternoon of Thursday, May 15, 2025, caused extensive damage, leading to the main structure being declared a “total loss.”
The Nottoway Plantation House was a massive antebellum mansion, believed to be the largest remaining in the American South. Built in 1859 for planter John Hampden Randolph, it spanned 53,000 square feet (about 4,924 square meters). The 64-room historic building was located along the Mississippi River, between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, in the town of White Castle, Louisiana. The impressive architecture included a three-story rotunda adorned with columns and fireplaces made of hand-carved Italian marble. The building was constructed of cypress wood.
Its history is inextricably linked to the highly injustice era of slavery, with enslaved people helping to build it and run the surrounding sugar plantation. In recent decades, the home had transformed into a resort, event venue, museum, and wedding venue. It welcomed visitors from around the world and became 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.” It was a fixture of Louisiana’s tourism economy and a site of national significance.
Fire Development
The fire broke out shortly after 2 p.m. Thursday. It is believed to have started in the south wing of the building, possibly in a second-floor bedroom. Staff members reported seeing smoke and then flames when they entered a second-floor room. The structure, which was made of cypress wood, was a “tinder box” that burned “very fast” and “very intensely.” Photos show “a huge orange wall of fire consuming the top of the rotunda.”
Rescue Efforts
Nearly a dozen fire departments from surrounding cities responded to the scene, with approximately 30 to 40 firefighters involved. Crews battled the flames, including using ladder trucks and laying down hoses. Despite their best efforts, the fire engulfed the main building. After initially extinguishing the fire, firefighters went through each floor to ensure all flames and hot spots were out. Water extinguishing operations were still ongoing the following morning, approximately 18 hours after the fire began. All other structures on the property were preserved.
Causes
At this time, the cause of the fire is still under investigation. According Kpel965 website “the fire is believed to have started in a second-floor bedroom“, though the official cause remains under investigation. No injuries have been reported”
Impact and Future
The loss of Nottoway Plantation is considered a major blow not only to Iberville Parish, but to the entire state of Louisiana, given its critical role in tourism and its historical significance. The owners had initially committed to rebuilding and repairing in keeping with historic preservation principles, but are currently unsure of what their next steps will be.
