Inferno at Nottoway: Historic Louisiana Plantation Ravaged by Fire

May 16, 2025

By The Bayou Insider Staff

One of Louisiana’s most iconic historic landmarks—the Nottoway Plantation—was engulfed in a devastating fire on Thursday, May 15. The antebellum mansion, long hailed as the largest surviving plantation home in the South, suffered catastrophic damage as flames consumed much of the 53,000-square-foot structure.

First responders from multiple parishes raced to the scene in Iberville Parish as heavy smoke poured from the historic site, and live video footage showed flames erupting through the roof. By nightfall, much of the mansion had collapsed, including its famed third-floor attic and ornate southern wing.

No injuries were reported, but the structure was left in ruins.

Timeline of the Fire

According to fire officials, the blaze was first reported around 2:09 p.m. when staff members at the plantation noticed smoke coming from a second-floor room that housed museum exhibits. When they returned to investigate, the room had already been overtaken by flames.

The fire is believed to have started in a bedroom on the second floor. From there, it quickly spread to the southern portion of the building and then to the attic, a vulnerable area in many older wooden structures.

Crews from White Castle, Bayou Goula, Plaquemine, Baton Rouge, and Donaldsonville joined efforts to contain the fire. Approximately 40 firefighters were on site. Though they initially gained some control, the fire reignited later in the evening, ultimately collapsing the plantation’s historic roof.

A Legacy Lost: The Story of Nottoway

Built in 1859 by sugar baron John Hampden Randolph, Nottoway was both a testament to wealth and a relic of a complicated past. The mansion included 64 rooms, 22 massive white columns, and a sprawling footprint of 53,000 square feet. Its design was a striking blend of Greek Revival and Italianate architecture—rare for its time and uniquely Southern.

Often dubbed “The White Castle of Louisiana,” Nottoway had become a tourist destination, wedding venue, museum, and hotel in recent decades. Guests walked through the preserved halls, marveled at 15½-foot ceilings, and reflected on the legacies of both grandeur and slavery that marked its history.

Preserved artifacts, furniture, and portraits adorned the halls—many of which are now feared to be lost.

Community and Preservation Response

News of the fire spread rapidly throughout Louisiana, sparking an outpouring of grief from locals, historians, and preservationists. Generations of residents from Iberville Parish and beyond have celebrated milestones at Nottoway—from school field trips and cultural tours to weddings and anniversaries.

The owners of the property, who had invested in maintenance and tourism over the years, stated that they plan to rebuild and restore the mansion “in accordance with historic preservation standards.”

The Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal has launched an investigation into the origin and cause of the fire. As of Thursday evening, no foul play is suspected, but officials noted the challenges of wiring, insulation, and temperature control in structures of Nottoway’s age.

A Wider Pattern: The Vulnerability of Historic Structures

The Nottoway fire echoes a growing concern across the South and beyond—how to safeguard America’s architectural history from decay, disaster, and time itself. Historic wooden structures, especially those built before modern building codes and fire suppression systems, are especially vulnerable.

In recent years, similar fires have ravaged churches, homes, and plantations throughout the region. Preservation groups are calling for increased support and funding for fire prevention in historic landmarks—particularly those with high tourist traffic and antique infrastructure.

What Happens Next?

For now, the grounds around Nottoway remain closed to the public as investigators and structural experts assess the damage. A timeline for cleanup and potential restoration has not been set, though early estimates suggest a multi-million-dollar effort if the mansion is to be rebuilt.

Local and state historic preservation societies may step in to assist. Public fundraising campaigns or tourism board support could also play a role in helping preserve what remains—or to faithfully reconstruct the building using archived blueprints and photographs.

Public Reaction and Reflections

Social media was flooded Thursday afternoon with images of the inferno and emotional messages from Louisianans. Many shared personal memories—weddings in the mansion’s ballroom, family portraits on the front steps, or afternoons spent on school tours learning about antebellum life.

Several elected officials have also expressed support for efforts to restore the plantation and emphasized the importance of historical preservation in Louisiana’s identity and tourism economy.

A Cultural Icon, Not Forgotten

The fire may have taken the structure, but it hasn’t erased the legacy of Nottoway Plantation. The mansion was a physical embodiment of a complex history—one of opulence, labor, and cultural transition in the Deep South.

As Louisiana reflects on this loss, there’s also a sense of purpose rising from the ashes: to honor, remember, and, perhaps, rebuild.

In a world too quick to erase the past, places like Nottoway help us remember who we are—and why preserving truth and legacy still matters.

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