John Hampden Randolph's Idea
John Hampden Randolph was originally from Nottoway County, Virginia. He came from a wealthy family. His father moved their family to a plantation in Mississippi, where John met Emily Liddell, his future wife. Four years into their marriage, John and Emily moved to Louisiana to stay at Forest Home, where the main crop was cotton. He later decided that he would make more money in the sugarcane industry, so he took some risks to build what would become Nottoway Plantation in Iberville Parish.
Construction
Construction began on the mansion in 1855 when John bought 400 acres of land and 620 acres of swamp land facing the Mississippi River. Randolph sought out Henry Howard, a famous New Orleans architect to construct his "castle". He designed it in the style for which he was most famous, Greek Revival and Italianate.
Cypress from Forest Home was used as the base of the castle. Bricks were made by slaves. The home also features ornate frieze work in every room. The mansion is completely decked out in lavish furniture, brass and crystal chandeliers, mahogany staircases, porcelain keyhole covers and doorknobs, and Italian marble fireplaces.
The "castle" contains 64 rooms on three floors, six interior staircases, three modern bathrooms with interior plumbing, 165 doors, and 200 windows. Nottoway's mansion was completed in 1859.
Cypress from Forest Home was used as the base of the castle. Bricks were made by slaves. The home also features ornate frieze work in every room. The mansion is completely decked out in lavish furniture, brass and crystal chandeliers, mahogany staircases, porcelain keyhole covers and doorknobs, and Italian marble fireplaces.
The "castle" contains 64 rooms on three floors, six interior staircases, three modern bathrooms with interior plumbing, 165 doors, and 200 windows. Nottoway's mansion was completed in 1859.
Surviving the Civil War
Since Nottoway is located on the Mississippi River, it was highly affected during the Civil War. The Mississippi is the country's largest water way so it was full of traffic during the war as both sides wanted control.
Today
Today, the mansion is a place of history. It has a museum and a restaurant in the basement which is very popular. Also, it operates as a hotel. Guests can stay in the Randolph's old bedrooms, or in little houses along the property. Also, many special events are held there like conventions, celebrations, and weddings. Because of its beauty, it is also a prime spot for people who get portraits taken. Aside from visiting, it helps you feel a part of the rich history of Nottoway Plantation to participate in these types of activities. You can see what it was like to live their during the Randolph's time.
Fun Facts
-The frieze work contains religious and other symbols that represent the Randolphs.
-The house had modern technologies like plumbing and a call bell system.
-John built a bowling alley in the basement for the children.
-A bullet hole from the Civil War can be viewed still today.
-The house had modern technologies like plumbing and a call bell system.
-John built a bowling alley in the basement for the children.
-A bullet hole from the Civil War can be viewed still today.