Historic Nottoway Plantation Destroyed by Fire in Louisiana

White Castle, Louisiana — A fire consumed the historic Nottoway Plantation on Thursday, May 15, 2025, destroying the largest remaining antebellum mansion in the U.S. South. Firefighters battled the blaze, which started in the south wing and quickly spread, with crews still on site as of Friday, May 16.

The mansion was built in 1859 by enslaved people and served as a tourism site, resort, and event venue. Iberville Parish President Chris Daigle confirmed that the structure was a total loss. “This is a large-scale fire that destroyed a huge piece of history,” said Ken Pastorick, public affairs director for the state fire marshal.

Many fire departments responded to the scene, including White Castle, Plaquemine, Bayou Goula, St. George, and Baton Rouge. Firefighters even utilized a boat to pull water from the nearby Mississippi River to combat the flames.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, with no timeline for when the results will be available. “This is going to take time for our investigators to figure out how it happened and why it happened,” Pastorick added.

Dan Dyess, the current owner of Nottoway, expressed his devastation over the loss. “We’re very devastated, we’re upset, we’re sad,” he said. Dyess, who also owns the historic Steel Magnolia House Bed and Breakfast, hopes to evaluate the feasibility of rebuilding the mansion.

Despite its past ties to slavery, which some community members brought attention to on social media, the site was known for hosting events, including weddings and corporate retreats. The resort’s website previously advertised a murder mystery dinner set in 1859, featuring actors portraying historical figures.

This fire has sparked a debate about the plantation’s history and significance, mirroring the complex emotions surrounding its legacy. As both a cherished landmark and a painful reminder of the past, Nottoway’s destruction has left the community in reflection.