Which plantation best?

Question

I tried to search for plantation reviews and not a lot of recent posts on this.

We do have a car and can travel. Whitney or Laura? Interested in BOTh slave history and how the plantation/mansion worked. I see Evergreen is closed

Going in March with older teens

Answer

Both Whitney Plantation and Laura Plantation offer unique and valuable perspectives on the history of slavery and plantation life, but they each have a slightly different focus and atmosphere. Given that you are interested in both the history of enslaved people and how the plantation/mansion functioned, both of these plantations can provide meaningful experiences for you and your older teens. Below, I’ll outline what makes each one special and help you decide which might be the best fit for your visit in March.

1. Whitney Plantation

Whitney Plantation is unique because it focuses primarily on the history of slavery and the lives of the enslaved people who lived and worked on the plantation. This is the only plantation in Louisiana dedicated specifically to telling the story of slavery, and its exhibits are deeply educational and thought-provoking. Whitney is known for its emotional impact and is highly recommended for those who want to understand the brutal realities of slavery in the American South.

Some highlights of Whitney Plantation include:

The Memorial to the Enslaved: This powerful memorial includes life-sized statues of enslaved people and is a poignant reminder of the human cost of the plantation economy.
The Slave Cabins: The plantation has preserved a number of original slave cabins that you can tour. These cabins offer a glimpse into the living conditions of the enslaved people who worked at Whitney.
The History and Exhibits: Whitney offers a comprehensive history of slavery in Louisiana, including how enslaved people were brought to the area, their lives on the plantation, and their eventual emancipation. The tours often cover how the plantation was structured, and it delves into the economic role that slavery played in the region.
Guided Tours: The tours at Whitney are guided, and the guides are excellent at providing a clear and respectful narrative of the plantation’s history. They are well-versed in discussing both the economic aspects of plantation life as well as the personal stories of the enslaved people.

2. Laura Plantation

Laura Plantation, located nearby, is another excellent choice if you’re looking to learn about both the plantation’s history and the lives of those who worked on it. Laura Plantation is focused on the Creole experience, and it explores the complexities of life on a Creole plantation, including the role of women in the plantation economy. While Laura does discuss slavery, it also provides a more holistic view of plantation life, including the management of the estate and its economic operations.

Some highlights of Laura Plantation include:

The House and Creole Architecture: Laura Plantation has a beautifully restored Creole-style house that gives a sense of what life was like for both the owners and the enslaved people. The house is unique in its architectural style, and tours give a glimpse into how the mansion was used by the family and overseers.
The History of the Duparc Family: The tour delves into the history of the Duparc family, who owned the plantation. It’s fascinating to learn how their plantation was run and the role the enslaved people played in its success.
Focus on Women in the Plantation Economy: One standout feature of Laura Plantation is its emphasis on the role of women in plantation life, particularly the stories of the women in the Duparc family and how they influenced the plantation’s operations.
The Slave Quarter and Oral Histories: Laura Plantation also preserves some original buildings, and their tours give insight into the lives of the enslaved people who lived there. The guides provide detailed stories about the enslaved people’s daily lives and their struggles.

Which One to Choose?

Both plantations provide a valuable experience, but the decision largely depends on the specific type of history you want to focus on:

Choose Whitney Plantation if: You are primarily interested in understanding the history of slavery and the experiences of the enslaved people who worked on the plantation. Whitney’s focus on this aspect makes it a deeply educational and powerful experience.
Choose Laura Plantation if: You want a more balanced look at plantation life, including the economic and social aspects of running a plantation. Laura offers a more comprehensive view, including the Creole cultural influence and the role of women on the plantation.

Other Considerations:

Distance: Both plantations are located about 30-40 minutes outside of New Orleans, so you can easily visit either one on a half-day trip. They are not far from each other, so you could potentially visit both if you have the time.
Teen Engagement: Both plantations are educational and offer opportunities for teens to learn about history, but Whitney Plantation's focus on slavery may be a more impactful experience for older teens interested in understanding the complexities of American history.

In summary, if your main focus is on slavery and the experiences of enslaved people, Whitney Plantation is the best choice. If you want a broader view of plantation life with a focus on Creole culture and women’s roles in plantation history, Laura Plantation would be a great option. Either way, both are excellent and provide a deep and meaningful look at this part of American history.

Which plantation best?

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