WHITE GOLD GROWS
FROM FERTILE SOILS
While the rest of the South cultivated cotton,
the Mississippi River provided a unique
opportunity for these Louisianans to transport
sugarcane commonly called, white gold, to
New Orleans and markets abroad.
In the mid-1800s, our region, known as
the River Parishes, amassed concentrations
of wealth from the massive sugar cane
plantations dispersed throughout. In fact, at
one time America's highest concentration of
millionaires was found along the Mississippi
River from New Orleans north to Baton Rouge.
Enslaved peoples were the backbone of
this operation and continued to increase in
numbers over the years prior to the Civil War
to service the growth in demand for sugar.
During this era, Louisiana was producing half of
all sugar consumed in America.
7 | #OutHere
TOURS HIGHLIGHT
HISTORY & HARDSHIP
Each of the historic estates in New Orleans
Plantation Country embodies a unique story
that has carried forth for nearly 200 years.
Hear perspectives of adversity and triumph to
gain an understanding of what life was like for
those who lived and worked out here.
LEARN ABOUT
ARCHITECTURE
Amazing architecture surrounds you -
from opulent and intricate to simple and
rustic. Stroll lavish landscapes, shaded by
ancient Spanish moss-draped live oak trees
before immersing yourself in the uniquely
decorated rooms and facades.
Although Native American, Spanish, German
and African populations were all abundant in
the region, French tradition reigned supreme.