Be advised that the NPS has issued alerts for this park.
Park Phones Down
The park telephones are not working. Please email the park at CARI_Interp@nps.gov.
Park Operating Hours
Operating hours are 9:00 am to 3:30 pm Wednesday through Sunday until further notice.
Oakland Main House Self-Guided Tours
The interior of the Oakland Main House is ONLY open to the public on weekends from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All tours of the house are self-guided and occupancy within the building is limited. Please plan accordingly.
The Cane River region is home to a unique culture; the Creoles. Generations of the same families of workers, enslaved and tenant, and owners lived on these lands for over 200 years. The park tells their stories and preserves the cultural landscap...
Wayside exhibit in front of the Oakland Plantation and amongst the Oak trees describing the oak allee and displays a picture of the oak trees lined in two rows making a pathway to the house. The actual oak allee leading up to the house on Oakland Plantation can be seen in the background of the wayside exhibit.
Learn more about the Pigeonniers of the Cane River Creole National Historical Park.
A wayside with a picture of a pigeon detailing the use of the pigeonnier on Creole Plantation. A view of the pigeonnier, a square, wooden structure pained white, in the right portion of the picture behind the wayside.
This photo features an interpretive sign titled "A French Connection," which highlights the historical and cultural significance of pigeonniers (dovecotes) on Louisiana Creole plantations. The sign is mounted on a rust-colored metal stand and positioned in a grassy area. In the background, you can see a white wooden structure with a metal roof, likely a pigeonnier, which is traditionally used to house pigeons. Additionally, there is a covered structure with wooden posts to the left, adding to the rural, plantation setting. The sign contains both text and images: - **Main Image**: At the top of the sign, there is a close-up photograph of a pigeon, representing the birds that lived in the pigeonniers. The pigeon is sitting in a nesting area, illustrating the purpose of the structure. Next to the pigeon, there is an image of the interior of a pigeonnier, showing the wooden compartments where the pigeons would nest. - **Text**: The text explains how pigeonniers, also known as dovecotes, were once common on Louisiana Creole plantations, particularly those with French influences. In France, these structures were symbols of wealth and high social status, and the tradition carried over to Louisiana's Creole culture. The text likely discusses how French Creole planters constructed elaborate pigeonniers, not only for their functional use in housing pigeons but also as a symbol of prestige. Pigeons provided meat and eggs, and their droppings were often used as fertilizer. These structures were often ornate and positioned in prominent locations on the plantation, reflecting their importance. The text also likely notes that, until the late 19th century, only French aristocracy and those of high status were permitted to build pigeonniers in France. This restriction made the presence of these structures in Louisiana a marker of influence and heritage, echoing the customs of French nobility. The overall theme of the sign is to connect the architectural and cultural history of Louisiana Creole plantations to their French roots, showcasing the importance of pigeonniers as both practical and symbolic structures. The white pigeonnier in the background helps visitors visualize what these structures looked like and how they fit into the plantation landscape. The grassy, quiet setting around the sign complements the historical nature of the information, offering visitors a glimpse into a unique aspect of plantation life and its ties to French culture.
This photo depicts an interpretive sign titled "A River Runs Through It," which focuses on the significance of rivers and waterways, particularly the Red River, in the history of the region and the lives of the people who lived on the plantations. The sign is mounted on a rust-colored metal stand, placed in a grassy area with trees and a wooden fence in the background, evoking a natural and serene environment. The sign contains both text and images: - **Main Image**: A large, beautiful color photograph of a river, likely the Red River, with a wooden dock extending into the water. The calm water reflects the trees and sky, creating a peaceful scene that highlights the natural beauty of the area. The image emphasizes the river's central role in transportation, trade, and daily life for the people living on and around the plantations. - **Text on the Left**: The text explains how Louisiana's abundant rivers and bayous were vital to transportation, trade, and communication for centuries. It specifically highlights the Red River's role in connecting plantations, such as Magnolia Plantation, to major trade routes and cities like New Orleans. The river allowed goods such as cotton to be transported, and people, animals, and information were moved up and down the waterway. It mentions the importance of steamboats, which carried provisions and goods directly to plantations, linking them to larger markets. - **Text on the Right**: This section of the sign discusses the Caddo people, who lived in the area before European settlers arrived. The Caddo used the region's rivers for a variety of purposes, including transportation and food sourcing. The text also highlights the Caddo's use of river resources for creating pottery, tools, and woven baskets, which were essential to their way of life. - **Images on the Right**: There are three small images next to the Caddo text: a polished stone tool, a piece of pottery, and a woven basket. These items represent some of the artifacts and tools that the Caddo people made using river resources, such as clay for pottery and plant materials for baskets. The artifacts illustrate the deep connection between the Caddo people and the river. The overall theme of the sign is to showcase the vital role that rivers like the Red River played in shaping the cultural and economic history of the region. The peaceful setting and the serene image of the river provide a reflective atmosphere for visitors, encouraging them to appreciate the natural beauty and historical importance of the waterways that sustained communities for centuries. The sign also acknowledges the contributions of the Caddo people, offering insight into how they utilized the river long before the arrival of Europeans and plantations.
Wayside exhibit depicting how Oakland Plantation utilized the Cane River. There is a picture of the river bank and a wooden dock. In the distance of the exhibit is a picture of a home on the opposite side of the river. The water is surrounded by trees. In the background of the wayside exhibit is present day Cane River.
This photo features an interpretive sign titled "A Very Valuable Man," placed on a rust-colored metal stand in a grassy area, with a building in the background. The building, with a corrugated metal roof and wooden beams, evokes a rustic and historical atmosphere, fitting with the themes of the sign. The sign contains both text and images, with a focus on a key figure in the plantation's history and the architectural traditions of French Louisiana: - **Left Section (A Very Valuable Man)**: The left side of the sign provides a historical narrative about a man who was highly valued on the plantation, likely an enslaved or skilled laborer whose work contributed significantly to the daily operations of the plantation. The text may describe his specialized knowledge and craftsmanship, perhaps in carpentry, blacksmithing, or construction, which made him indispensable to the plantation owners. The background image is of a wooden structure, possibly a depiction of one of the buildings on the plantation that he helped construct. The text might delve into his role in maintaining and building plantation infrastructure, reflecting on how his expertise was critical to the functioning of the plantation. Additionally, there may be a reference to the cost associated with such labor and the harsh realities of enslavement, with the individual being viewed more for their economic value than as a person. - **Right Section (Earthen Architecture of French Louisiana)**: The right side of the sign discusses the traditional building techniques used in Louisiana, particularly "bousillage," a mixture of clay, straw, and other materials used in construction. There is an image of hands mixing earthen materials, highlighting how these natural elements were combined to create strong, durable structures in the region. The text likely explains how bousillage construction was influenced by Native American, French, and Spanish techniques. It may also mention how this building style was widespread in Creole plantations and homes, emphasizing the practicality and sustainability of using locally sourced materials to create sturdy walls for buildings. This section connects to the broader history of architecture in Louisiana and how enslaved laborers or skilled workers, like the individual mentioned on the left side, would have been involved in building these structures. The overall theme of the sign emphasizes the valuable contributions of skilled laborers on plantations, the importance of traditional earthen construction techniques in French Louisiana, and the cultural and historical significance of these methods. The background setting, with the old building and grassy field, provides a fitting context for this educational display, helping visitors reflect on the craftsmanship and labor that built the plantation's infrastructure.
Picture of the Bois d'arc exhibit with a visible green field in the back. The signage describes the Bois d'arc tree and its importance to the Native people.
This photo features an interpretive sign titled "Cash or Credit?" that explores the economic realities of sharecropping, tenant farming, and the plantation store system during the post-Civil War Reconstruction era and beyond. The sign is situated on a rust-colored metal stand in a grassy area, with a wooden building visible in the background, likely part of a historical plantation site. The sign contains both text and historical photographs: - **Top Image**: A black-and-white photograph of a group of African American individuals, possibly sharecroppers or tenant farmers, dressed in worn clothing. Their expressions are solemn, suggesting the harsh conditions and economic struggles they endured. The caption next to the photo explains that the people depicted lived and worked on the plantation, dependent on systems like sharecropping and the plantation store for survival. - **Main Text**: The text recounts how the plantation store system worked during Reconstruction and into the 20th century. These stores, often operated by the planter or landowner, provided goods to the formerly enslaved workers and later sharecroppers and tenant farmers. People could purchase food and supplies, often on credit, using tokens or other forms of payment tied to the plantation. The store became a central part of life for the workers, but the system also often trapped them in a cycle of debt. The text highlights a quote from Dora Mae Wheeler, which reads: “Around December... I can hear [Dad] and Mom talking. ‘Didn’t break even; didn’t break even’... when he finished at the end of the year, he owed them money, rather than them owing him money, and that’s exactly what it meant.” This quote emphasizes the struggle of sharecroppers to break free from financial dependency on the plantation owners. - **Bottom Left Image**: A smaller historical photograph of musicians playing instruments outside of the plantation store during the holidays. The caption identifies them as "Yoke, Duma, Shack, and Excelsior" performing in front of the store on Christmas Eve in 1947. This image provides a glimpse of the social and cultural life that revolved around the store, despite the difficult economic conditions. - **Additional Text**: The sign explains that while the store was a hub for buying goods, it also became a community gathering place where people could catch up with friends and relatives, hear the latest news, and listen to live music during holiday celebrations. However, as mechanization reduced the need for manual labor, sharecropping and tenant farming declined, leading to the closure of many plantation stores. The overall theme of the sign highlights the complex economic system that kept many African American families tied to plantations well after the end of slavery, often through debt and dependence on the plantation store. The surrounding area and historical buildings provide context for visitors to reflect on the social and economic struggles of the time.
This image shows a small sign in a grassy field with a tree in the background. The sign, which is mounted on a rust-colored metal post, is located close to the ground and provides information about something called "Catfish Candy." The sky above is blue with light clouds, and the surrounding landscape appears rural with some tall grass and trees, creating a peaceful and open environment. The sign features an illustration of a large, green, horn-shaped caterpillar with small legs along its underside. Below the image, there is text that explains the purpose of the "Catfish Candy" and the connection to the natural environment around the area. However, the exact wording of the text is not clearly visible in this image. The caterpillar is presumably the focus of the information, possibly explaining its role in the local ecosystem, especially in relation to fish like catfish, hence the name "Catfish Candy." In the background, the tree appears old, with a thick trunk and branches that spread out, providing shade and adding to the natural scenery. The field has a mixture of mown grass in the foreground and taller, more wild growth further back. The overall setting feels calm, rural, and connected to nature, with the focus on the interaction between wildlife, like the caterpillar, and the environment.
This photo shows an interpretive sign titled "Changing Residents," placed on a rust-colored metal stand in a grassy area with a large white wooden house in the background. The house has a classic southern plantation style, featuring a metal roof, a wrap-around porch, and white railings. Trees and greenery surround the house, contributing to the peaceful and serene environment. The sign itself provides historical context about the people who lived and worked on the plantation, focusing on the changing population over time. The sign contains text and images: - **Top Left Image**: A historical photograph shows an African American man standing on a porch, likely one of the residents or workers from the past. The image captures a simple scene of daily life, emphasizing the connection between the building and the people who lived there. Bottom Left Image: Another historical photograph shows a larger house, likely the same building in the background of the photo, but in its earlier state. The house has a wide front porch, with farm animals and equipment visible in the yard, reflecting its role as both a home and part of the working plantation. This photo may date back to the early 20th century or even earlier. Text on the Left: A quote is featured, stating: - "Dannial the Black Smith from Armsteads side – he became sick on Thursday... I had him locked up in one end of the Hospittle.. and was continued the medicine as prescribed by the Doctor... he lived the Monday night and died the 24th." This quote seems to reflect the medical struggles faced by plantation workers, who were often treated on-site at the plantation hospital. Text on the Right: The main body of the text explains the history of the residents and workers who lived in the building over time. It discusses how the house functioned as part of the plantation system, housing not only the owners but also workers, including enslaved people, tenant farmers, and sharecroppers. The text may explain how, after the Civil War, the population of the plantation changed, with tenant farmers and sharecroppers moving in and out of the house and its surrounding quarters. The text also discusses how the house and its surrounding buildings were adapted over time to suit the needs of the evolving community, including periods of decline and renovation. The overall theme of the sign is to reflect on the lives of the people who resided in the house over generations, providing a glimpse into their everyday realities. The peaceful surroundings and preserved architecture offer visitors a chance to connect with the history of the site, understanding how the plantation's population changed and adapted through different eras. The sign serves as both a historical marker and a tribute to the individuals who lived and worked in the house, highlighting the important but often difficult lives they led within the plantation system.
This photo shows an old, weathered wooden cabin with a corrugated metal roof, raised slightly above the ground on blocks. The cabin is rectangular and has a screen porch that extends along the front, protecting the area from insects while still allowing air to flow through. The roof is slightly rusted, giving the cabin a well-used and historical appearance. On the porch, a small blackboard sign reads "Cook's Cabin 1890," highlighting its historical significance. In front of the cabin is an information sign that stands at an angle. It displays an old black-and-white photograph of several people, possibly workers or family members, gathered in front of the cabin or a similar structure. The sign also has text explaining the cabin's history and transformation from a cook's cabin to a fishing camp, though the exact wording isn't clear in this image. The grassy field surrounding the cabin is well-kept, with trees and more natural greenery in the background, giving it a serene and open countryside feel. The overall scene feels historic and peaceful, capturing a piece of life from the past and the surrounding rural landscape
This photo shows an interpretive sign titled "Corn Crib," located in front of a rustic wooden structure made of stacked logs. The structure in the background is weathered and simple, likely representing a historical corn crib, which was used to store corn and other grains on the plantation. The wood is aged, and the structure is open and elevated slightly off the ground, allowing for airflow to keep the stored corn dry. The grassy surroundings suggest a quiet and preserved area of the plantation, with the structure standing as a reminder of past agricultural practices. The **sign** itself is mounted on a rust-colored metal post and includes a sketch of the corn crib structure at the bottom. The text on the sign likely explains the function and importance of the corn crib on the plantation: - **Text**: The corn crib was essential for storing harvested corn, which was dried and kept for various purposes, including livestock feed and use as food by the plantation workers. The crib played a key role in the agricultural economy of the plantation, helping to preserve the corn and maintain a steady food supply. The text may also describe how the crib was ventilated to allow for proper drying and storage of the corn, ensuring it remained in good condition for longer periods. The rustic and open-air design of the corn crib in the background highlights the practical construction techniques used at the time. The structure was elevated and ventilated to protect the corn from moisture, pests, and spoilage, making it a crucial part of the plantation’s operations. The peaceful and green setting around the sign and corn crib adds to the historical feel of the area, providing visitors with a sense of how essential storage structures like the corn crib were in maintaining the plantation's agricultural output. The simplicity of the crib contrasts with the modern methods of storage and farming, offering insight into the ingenuity of earlier agricultural practices.
This image shows an interpretive sign titled "Cotton Ginning Time" placed on a rust-colored metal stand. The sign is located in a grassy area under the shade of a large tree. The background reveals an open, green field with a distant red-roofed structure barely visible on the horizon, blending with the serene natural landscape of a rural setting. The sign itself features a collection of old black-and-white photographs and text. The title "Cotton Ginning Time" likely introduces the history and process of cotton ginning, a significant agricultural practice in the region. In the lower portion of the sign, there is a large, historical photograph of workers handling large bales of cotton, capturing the physical labor involved in processing cotton. Another image shows cotton being processed through machinery, while a smaller photo in the bottom-right corner depicts a rustic cotton gin building. There is also a quote on the sign, likely from a historical figure, that reads: "I had almost 900 bales of cotton, a fortune at six months, but all that was destroyed by the flames of the Yankees and the Confederates." This quote highlights the historical context, possibly referring to the destruction and economic loss during the Civil War, a period in which cotton was a major crop in the South. The text on the sign likely describes the history of cotton ginning, the role of enslaved and free workers, and the impact of the cotton economy on the region, as well as the broader historical implications of the Civil War on cotton production. The overall setting evokes a sense of historical reflection on the agricultural past of the South, with the sign and surrounding peaceful landscape inviting visitors to learn about the significance of cotton ginning in this rural community.
This photo features an interpretive sign titled "Creole Architecture" that stands in front of a historic building. The sign is supported by a rust-colored metal stand, and the background includes a white, elevated Creole-style house with wide stairs leading up to a raised porch. The house has white wooden siding, dark shutters, and a brick foundation. The doors and windows on the upper floor have large wooden shutters, while the bottom of the house has small cellar-style doors. The interpretive sign provides information about the characteristics of Creole architecture. A large black-and-white photo of a traditional Creole porch dominates the sign, showing wide wooden planks, simple columns, and shuttered doors. There is also a smaller photo of the interior of a Creole home, including a fireplace, a cabinet, and other period-appropriate furniture, alongside an architectural floor plan sketch. The description on the sign likely explains the history and features of Creole architecture, such as raised foundations for flood protection, wide porches, large windows with shutters to allow air flow, and steep roofs to manage the Louisiana heat and rain. It may also highlight the French, Spanish, and African influences in the design and structure of these homes. In the background, a tree and grass fill the scene, and the house stands prominently, blending with its lush, green surroundings. The sign and house give off an air of historic significance, preserving the architecture and lifestyle of the Creole people.
This image features an interpretive sign titled "Farming Transitions," which discusses the shift from traditional manual farming methods to mechanized agriculture. The sign is mounted on a rust-colored metal stand in a grassy area, with farm equipment visible in the background, including tractors and other machinery, suggesting a historical or educational exhibit on agriculture. The sign contains both text and images: - **Main Image (Left)**: A black-and-white photograph of a man using a hand-held plow, illustrating the labor-intensive nature of farming in earlier times. The man is bent over, guiding the plow through the earth, emphasizing the physical effort required for farming before modern machinery was introduced. - **Top Right Image**: A color photograph of a mechanical cotton picker in a field, showing rows of cotton ready for harvest. This image highlights the technological advancements that changed farming practices and made cotton harvesting more efficient. - **Center Image**: A photo of a mule harnessed to a plow, further emphasizing the traditional use of animals to assist with farm labor. This image reflects a time when animals like mules were essential to farming, before machines became widespread. - **Bottom Right Image**: A smaller historical photograph of a person, possibly a farmer or worker, seated with crops or produce, likely showing the connection to agricultural life on plantations or farms. The text on the sign explains how, for centuries, farming relied on people and animals to do the hard labor of planting and harvesting crops. It notes that from the 1700s to the mid-1900s, the use of mules and other animals, along with human labor, allowed for the cultivation of labor-intensive crops. However, by the end of the plantation era, mechanization took over much of the work previously done by hand. Mechanical cotton pickers replaced large groups of workers, especially in the early 1900s, reducing the need for manual labor and significantly altering the agricultural workforce. The sign also mentions how this transition to mechanized farming contributed to the Great Migration, when millions of African Americans moved from the rural South to northern cities between 1910 and 1970 due to the loss of farm jobs. The sign reflects on how technology transformed the agricultural industry, from reliance on human and animal power to machines, and the profound social and economic impacts of that change. The surrounding grassy area and visible farm equipment add to the historical context of farming's evolution.
This photo features an interpretive sign titled "Gardens and Porches," which highlights the important roles that gardens and porches played in the daily lives of plantation residents, particularly those living in the quarters. The sign is mounted on a rust-colored metal stand and placed in a grassy area in front of a building with a porch, likely part of a historical plantation site. The building's exterior shows signs of wear, with peeling paint or brickwork and a rustic wooden porch. In the background, there is a grassy landscape and some outdoor furniture, including a pink chair. The sign contains both images and text: - **Main Image**: A black-and-white photograph of a small cabin-like building surrounded by a wooden fence, which is likely a representation of the type of quarters where enslaved people or laborers lived. The cabin has a simple, rough appearance, and the fenced garden suggests the importance of self-sustained food production for these residents. - **Top Right Image**: A smaller photograph of a group of children sitting together outside, possibly highlighting how outdoor spaces, such as gardens and porches, were social areas where children played and families gathered. The text on the sign explains how, despite often having few plants now, the former quarters were once home to vibrant gardens filled with flowers, vegetables, and herbs. These gardens were crucial for providing food, color, and a sense of autonomy for the residents, who planted crops like sweet potatoes, okra, and tomatoes. Gardens were also important for raising chickens, another critical food source. The sign emphasizes that porches were more than just architectural features; they served as gathering spaces where residents spent time cooling off, sewing, socializing, and watching children play. Porches offered shade and relief from the Louisiana heat, providing a comfortable place for daily activities. At the bottom of the sign, there is a quote from a former resident: "We had a big garden... Peas, okra, tomatoes, pumpkins... [cucumbers], I made pickles out of them." This quote reinforces the importance of gardens as a source of sustenance and pride for the people who lived in the quarters. Overall, the sign reflects on how gardens and porches were essential to plantation life, providing not only food but also a sense of community and personal space for the residents. The peaceful setting around the sign contrasts with the labor-intensive lives of those who once lived and worked in these spaces, offering a glimpse into their daily routines and efforts to create a sense of home.
This photo shows an interpretive sign titled "Industry vs Manpower," which explores the transition from manual labor to mechanized processes in cotton production. The sign is placed on a rust-colored metal stand and positioned in a grassy area, with a historic wooden building and another stone structure visible in the background, likely part of a historical site or park. The left side of the sign features an old black-and-white engraving depicting enslaved workers and laborers engaged in the manual task of removing seeds from cotton by hand. In the image, workers are gathered around a cotton gin, and the physical labor involved is clearly depicted. Above the illustration, a quote in French reads, "Il nous faudrait la vapeur..." translated into English as "We need the steam." This statement refers to the eventual adoption of steam-powered machinery in cotton ginning. The right side of the sign contains a block of text that explains the shift from manpower to mechanical power in cotton processing. It discusses how hand-separation of seeds from cotton was labor-intensive and unsustainable as cotton demand grew. The text explains that during and after the Civil War, steam-powered cotton gins were introduced to meet the increasing demands for efficiency in cotton production. It mentions how by the 1880s, plantations like Magnolia used more advanced systems like the Munger System, which was highly efficient and could produce fifty-five 500-pound bales of cotton per hour. A smaller photograph on the sign shows the interior of a cotton gin with machinery, emphasizing the technological advancement in cotton processing. In summary, the sign contrasts the use of human labor with the rise of mechanization in the cotton industry, illustrating how industrial innovations changed the way cotton was processed over time. The background of the image, with the historic building and the natural landscape, adds to the context of a preserved historical site that likely educates visitors about the history of agriculture and slavery in the region.
Wayside with text describing the history of the doctor's cottage. Picture of the Doctor's Cottage with white picket fence in the front. Picture the Brett family off to the right showing a woman in a white wedding dress and a man in a black tuxedo.
This photo shows an interpretive sign titled "Livestock," which provides historical information about the role of animals, particularly mules and cattle, on the plantation. The sign is placed on a rust-colored metal stand in a grassy area, with trees and buildings visible in the background. The surrounding landscape gives the scene a peaceful, rural atmosphere. The sign includes multiple historical photographs and text: - **Left Image**: A black-and-white photograph of workers and mules, highlighting the importance of mules for labor on the plantation. Mules were essential for tasks like plowing fields and transporting goods, as shown in the image where several mules are harnessed and ready for work. Below the photo, there is a smaller advertisement-like image that reads, "Home Made Mules for Sale, Matt Hertzog," indicating that mules were bred and sold on the plantation. - **Top Center Image**: A color image of a cow, reflecting the importance of cattle in later years. As farming practices evolved and the economy shifted, cattle raising became a key part of the plantation's operations. - **Text**: The text on the sign explains how livestock, especially mules, played a vital role in the daily operations of Magnolia Plantation. Mules were used for heavy labor tasks and were considered valuable assets. The text notes that as early as the 1790s, mules were essential for agriculture, particularly for plowing fields and transporting goods. By the 1940s, during the tough economic times following the Civil War, cattle began to replace mules as a source of income for the plantation. The plantation diversified its operations by raising cattle and selling them to keep the plantation afloat. - **Right Image**: A small black-and-white photograph of a cattle pen or livestock facility, showing where the animals were kept and managed. This reinforces the idea that the plantation's focus shifted to cattle raising as part of its survival strategy during challenging economic periods. The overall theme of the sign highlights how the plantation adapted its use of livestock to meet changing economic demands over time. While mules were originally critical to agricultural labor, cattle became increasingly important in later years, particularly after the Civil War. The background, with its green fields and trees, adds to the educational experience, providing a serene setting for visitors to reflect on the role of animals in plantation history.
The Blacksmith Shop has exterior mud walls that are made of bousillage which consists of animal hair, mud, and Spanish moss. This type of architectural style was popular during the colonial period of Louisiana. The cypress beams are visible on the exterior of the wall and run vertical. It is almost a perfect square building measuring 47 feet by 44 feet. The roof is metal and is "hipped" with the lowest part of the roof extending out and ends with the bottom of the roof only around six feet above the ground. Having the roof this low protects the walls and even provides shade. The backside of the structure includes livestock pens; livestock that needed to be shoed were housed here. The door is open and under plexiglass are modern cattle brands that are branded into the door. During the 20th Century the Hertzog family increased cattle production as cotton prices fell. To the left of the structure is a fence and is the property line. To the right a portion of the pigeon house and live oaks are in view.
The Cotton Gin Barn is a two-story, wood-framed, end-gabled building with a metal roof. The building is rectangular, measuring approximately 89 feet by 38 feet, plus almost 10-foot-wide porches that run down both sides of the structure. Inside, the first floor is divided into three spaces, with steam-powered ginning equipment at one end, the wood-screw cotton press at the other end, and what was probably a “lint room” in the center.
A rectangular, white house approximately 65 feet long and 45 feet wide and 20 feet in height. A flight of stairs leads onto an ell-shaped porch that is integrated under the roof of the structure. Three doors and four windows are highlighted with dark green trim and green shutters. A hip shaped roof sheathed in metal caps the structure, and three brick chimneys protrude from the metal roof. The house is nestled between four large live oak trees, three of which are visible in the foreground. The tree branches arch into the sky and create a backdrop of tree canopy behind the building. Surrounding the cabin on all sides is green grass and two smaller, white outbuildings are visible to the left in the background.
The Pigeonnier is a square, 10 feet by 10 feet, two-story, heavy timber frame building with a pyramidal roof. The first story was used for storage. The second story was used for pigeon roosting. Two doors, one at the first story and one at the second story are located on one side. Pigeonholes, where the pigeons would enter, are located around three sides on the second story.
The Magnolia unit of the park contains only approximately 18 acres of the historic Magnolia Plantation, but within this small portion lie the heart of the working plantation including the Plantation Store, Blacksmith Shop, Pigeonnier, Hospital/Overseer’s House, eight brick Slave/Tenant Quarters, and Cotton Gin Barn.
From your vehicle you will walk north approximately 100-250 feet to the store. Pass through a pedestrian gate in the fence line to an accessible ramp that leads to the front porch of the store. The store has two wings on either side of the main part of the store. The right wing has a foyer with site maps and a door into the men's restroom. The left wing foyer is where you will find maps, brochures, a water fountain and water bottle filling station and the women's restroom. The main part of the store is only open when park staff is on site.
One of only six wood screw presses remaining in the United States, this rare 1830s artifact predates the days of steam ginning and pressing.
Made of Cyprus, Pine and Oak the wood screw press reaching from the floor to ceiling of the Magnolia Plantation Gin Barn. A wooden A-frame structure rotates around a wood screw to press cotton into bales.
A brick cabin approximately 38 feet long and 17 feet wide and 17 feet in height. Two green doors situated at each end of the cabin would have been separate entrances for two families during slavery. A brick chimney separates the two sides of the cabin with the fire places being saddle bagged- one on each side. On parts of the brick exterior a white cement covering is visible. This is Portland cement added after the 1920's. The cabin has a tin roof which extends to cover the wooden front porch. The original tin roofs were added circa 1921 and replaced the original roofs made of wood shingles circa 1845. On the right side of the structure coming off the roof is a down spout leading to a cistern that collects water. The front porch has two red metal chairs circa 1960's look that are not original. Behind the cabin stands large pecan trees that form a tree line running north to south. Surrounding the cabin on all sides is green grass.
This image shows an outdoor display sign from the Cane River Creole National Historical Park. The sign is set in a rustic wooden stand, with a background of green grass and historical buildings. The text on the sign is titled **"Maker of Most Things Wood"** and provides historical context about the role of carpenters, particularly enslaved carpenters, in building structures on plantations. The sign explains that carpenters were essential to constructing plantation buildings, such as homes, barns, and shops, using hand tools. It highlights the story of Solomon Wilson, an enslaved carpenter who lived at Oakland plantation until 1873. There is a mention of Wilson's tools, including augers, planes, adzes, and hatchets, which were used to create various wooden structures. A small, vintage photograph of Wilson is featured on the bottom right of the sign. The image of tools, including brushes and a wood plane, is displayed as a background to complement the text. In the background of the photo, you can see a historic wooden building with peeling white paint, a fence, and another larger home or structure in the distance, likely part of the historic plantation site. The scene has an open, rural feel with grassy areas, historic architecture, and elements of outdoor interpretation for visitors.
The wayside exhibit for the Natchez the mule shows a life size mule statue inside a stall of a wooden barn. The wayside shows a picture of a man behind a mule plowing the field. Also on the wayside there is a sign underneath a picture of mules that reads" Home Made Mules for Sale."
The sign includes images of the old general store shelves stocked with various goods, such as coffee tins, canned food, and boxes. On the lower right side of the sign is a smaller image showing the mail slots used in the Bermuda Post Office for organizing letters and packages. In the foreground of the photo, there is green grass and a rusted metal stand holding the sign. The background shows the white, aged building that housed the post office. The building has a porch with an old washing machine and other miscellaneous items. Beyond the building, there are trees and an expansive rural landscape. The image conveys a sense of history and the role these types of buildings played in the community, acting as both practical places for commerce and gathering spots for social interaction.
Wayside exhibit of the Overseer's cottage. Wayside shows a man in a suit and woman in a dress coat outside of a home, the overseer's cottage, with a picket fence surrounding the home on the right side of the signage. On the left side, there is white font a green background that depicts life as an overseer and the life of his family on the Oakland Plantation.
The Bottle Garden measures approximately 80 feet by 35 feet and is enclosed by a wood, white picket fence that faces the oak allee and a woven wire fence to the north and south sides. Within it, a nandina hedge establishes the east edge of the garden, just inside the white picket fence. A soldier-course brick walkway leads from the picket fence to the raised porch of the main house, creating a primary axis. To either side of the brick walkway, geometric planting beds are arranged in a symmetrical fashion. Each bed is outlined with overturned glass bottles dating to the late 1790s to the late 1990s. Plantings within the Bottle Garden include camellia, crepe myrtle, iris, rose, nandina, and canna lilies.
The Cook's Cabin was originally located near the main house. Around the turn of the century, the structure was moved from its original location towards the northeast into an open field. After being moved, it became a fishing camp-guest cabin for the plantation. The two-room cabin with screened in porch cabin is constructed of handmade cypress timbers with bousillage infill. The roof was covered originally with cypress shingles, now replaced with sheet metal.
The Doctor's Cottage is a one story, wood frame dwelling with a gable roof. The original structure that came to be called the Doctor's House was a small, one or two room dwelling surrounded by a gallery. The gallery was gradually enclosed and other additions made. The roof was originally covered in cypress shingles; it is now an asphalt shingled roof. The much-added-to structure measures approximately 67 X 41 feet. It is approximately 22 feet in height.
In summer, visitors find solace from the heat under the branches of the park’s live oak trees. The oaks lining the entrance to the main house at Oakland are especially magnificent.
Two rows a large Live Oak trees line the original entrance to the Oakland Plantation Main House. While the tree trunks stand on either side of the old entrance lane, the branches arch overhead forming a canopy.
The present configuration of the house dates to the 1960s. When built in 1821 there were four rooms on the upper level, surrounded on all sides by a wide porch with two rooms on the lower level. At least three major additions and numerous smaller changes to the house occurred over the years. The white house sits at the end of a live oak allée. The upper level of the house is reached via brick staircases. The rooms on the lower level are enclosed by oar shaped wooden palings. The house was a classic 4-room example of a French Creole raised plantation house. The house which is raised a full story above grade on a high brick foundation features a broad hip roof above open galleries. Additions, including a kitchen wing and enclosure of portions of some of the galleries.
The dining room is 18’-9” x 26’-2.5” x 11’ high or about 491 square feet. The room has six door openings. On the east wall are folding doors to the parlor. The door to the parent’s room is on the south wall. Two sets of French doors lead to the gallery on the west (back). Three doors are located on the north wall (hallway). One of these doors was closed by the installation of display shelving after World War II. In the center of the ceiling is a punkha, a type of swinging fan that originated in India. The swinging frame is cast iron; the fan itself consists of a cypress wood frame covered with canvas painted with the Prud’homme family’s coat-of-arms.
The enslaved nanny’s room is formed by the brick foundation walls of the house. The floor area is 18’-2” x 12’-3” or around 256 square feet. In addition to the trap door (now closed) to the bedroom above, there is a single door on the west wall and two window openings on the west and south walls.
The open raised galleries (porches) no longer surround the entire house due to the addition of rooms made by enclosing parts of the original west and north galleries. The existing galleries are approximately 11’ deep and 11’ high. The ceilings are finished with tongue-and-grove groove boards, 4” to 8” wide. The floorboards are tongue-and-groove cypress boards, 4” to 6” wide. Brick stairs between brick buttresses presently rise from the ground to the galleries on the east (front), south, and west sides of the house.
The girls’ room is 18’-9” x 18'-9.5” x 11' high or about 373 square feet. The room has four doors, which lead to the gallery on the east (front), the parlor, parents’ room and closet on the west. In 1953 the closet was added, and new pine flooring was laid over the original cypress flooring. This new flooring covered the trap door which connected the bedroom to the enslaved nanny’s room. The fireplace, on the north wall, contains a 1950s gas space heater in the firebox.
The parents’ room has undergone many changes since 1821. Today the room measures 18'-9” x 21'-3” x 11’ high or about 398 square feet. The room was enlarged around the 1830s when the entire back of the house was extended about 10’ to the west. The room has two sets of French doors, one on the south wall to the gallery, and one on the west wall that leads to a space that was converted into a dressing room after World War II. Two additional doors open to the children’s room (east) and dining room (north). In 1953 the room was reduced in size by the construction of a closet and bathroom at the eastern end of the room. Beside the doors and windows, lighting is limited to a pair of sconces that were part of the house’s gas lighting system before being electrified in the 1930s.
The parlor is 18’-10” x 18’-9” x 11' high or about 345 square feet. The ceiling which is finished with tongue-and-groove boards, 5” to 6” wide. The parlor did not reach its current appearance until after the Civil War when the original French doors that open to the gallery on the east wall (front) were replaced with floor-to-ceiling windows. Doors from the parlor lead to the dining room (west), children’s room (south) and hallway (north). New flooring of tongue-and-groove cypress flooring was laid over the original cypress flooring in the 1940s. There is a fireplace on the south wall of the parlor. An elaborate kerosene chandelier, that has been electrified, hangs from the ceiling.
The wine cellar is formed by the brick foundation walls of the house. The floor is 18'-3” x 14’-6” or about 265 square feet. A wooden plank door on the west wall has a series of eleven holes, about 2” in diameter cut into the upper part of the door presumably for ventilation. The window openings on the west wall are closed by six iron bars. A series of racks are located on all four walls.
The Mule Barn originally served as the plantation smokehouse. After a fire in 1927 destroyed an earlier Mule Barn, the former smokehouse was converted into a Mule Barn and Stable. The Mule Barn has large doors at either end with stalls on both sides. The appearance of the original smokehouse is unknown. The Carpenter Shop is a one-story rectangular log building with a corrugated metal roof. The Pigeonnier is approximately two stories high, with a square footprint and bousillage construction. The hip roof has wood shingles and it topped with a decorative finial.
Start your visit at the Welcome Pavilion located next to the parking area. The open-air Pavilion, which measures approximately 60 feet by 40 feet, contains picnic tables, exhibits, brochures, maps, water fountains, water bottle filling stations, and public restrooms. The Pavilion is where you will begin the walking tour of the plantation grounds.
The store is a one-story, wood-framed structure, set on brick piers, measuring approximately 42 feet by 58 feet. The structure consists of the original end-gabled building (circa 1870) plus a series of additions that brought the building to its present form by the early twentieth century. Facing nearly due east the store is set less than 40 feet off the main road.
The park does not have a visitor center though the historic Magnolia Plantation Store serves as a visitor contact station. The main part of the store is only open when there is staff available. However, the wings on either side of the store are open Wednesday through Sunday. Inside you will find restrooms, brochures, and the NPS passport stamps. The park is closed Monday and Tuesday.
The park does not have a visitor center, though the historic Oakland Plantation Store is the park's main visitor contact station Wednesday through Sunday. Inside the store you'll find historic exhibits and a park store/gift shop. NPS passport stamps and Junior Ranger books are located inside the store. The park is closed on Monday and Tuesday.
The depot is open Wednesday-Sunday, 9 am-3:30 pm. Inside you'll find exhibits, NPS passport stamp, and Junior Ranger books. Closed Monday and Tuesday. The Texas & Pacific Railway Depot, completed in 1927, stands as one of the last remaining segregated buildings in Louisiana. Separate entrances for “White” and “Colored” passengers lead to two waiting rooms segregated by race and marked by different building materials. Passenger rail service ended in Natchitoches in 1965, and the depot was never integrated.
Visit the park store for park souvenirs, Louisiana specialties, books, original artworks, toys, and crafts.
Bird Watching at Oakland Plantation
Cane River Creole provides habitat for a wide variety of birds. Bring your binoculars and enjoy the spectacular views of the many birds in the park.
Picnicking at Cane River Creole
Enjoy a picnic during your exploration of Oakland or Magnolia Plantations. Picnic tables are located at and around the Oakland Entrance Pavilion and around the Magnolia Overseer’s House. Picnic tables are first come, first served.
Cane River Creole Junior Ranger
The Cane River Creole Junior Ranger program includes different levels of activities for children of all ages. Complete 6 activities, as you learn about the history of Oakland and Magnolia Plantations, to earn a Cane River Creole Junior Ranger badge.
Tours
Count: 5
Magnolia Plantation Self-Guided Walking Tours
Explore the grounds of Magnolia Plantation through a self-guided walking tour. The tour explores a wide range of buildings and people who lived on the plantation. Maps available at each site. Note: The Magnolia main house is private property and is not open to the public.
Magnolia Plantation Trail Exhibit
Explore the exhibits along the trail on Magnolia Plantation
Oakland Plantation Main House Self-Guided Tour
Explore the Oakland Plantation main house through a self-guided tour. The tour introduces the people who lived and worked in the house and explores the many changes to the house over its long history.
Oakland Plantation Self-Guided Walking Tours
Explore the grounds of Oakland Plantation through a self-guided walking tour. The tour explores a wide range of buildings and people who lived on the plantation. Maps available at the Oakland entrance pavilion.
Oakland Plantation Trail Exhibit
Walk through the Oakland Plantation and discover the exhibits that make this area historical.
