New Orleans: St. Joseph and Felicity Plantation Guided Tour

Exploring Louisiana’s Historic Plantations: St. Joseph and Felicity

The New Orleans: St. Joseph and Felicity Plantation Guided Tour offers a compelling peek into Louisiana’s antebellum era, with a comprehensive visit to two authentic plantations. Priced at $46 per person and lasting 3 hours, this tour combines history, architecture, and even film history, making it a rich experience for those interested in the deep roots of Louisiana’s past. The tour is provided by St. Joseph Planting and Manufacturing CO LTD, which holds a high rating of 4.8—a testament to its quality and depth.

This tour suits visitors eager to understand the complexities of plantation life, including the stories of the families, enslaved people, and workers who shaped these historic sites. While the experience involves walking through old buildings and active farm land, it remains accessible for most, offering a balanced look at both the grandeur and hardships of Louisiana’s plantation history.

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Key Points

• Visit Two Historic Plantations: Explore St. Joseph and Felicity, each with unique architectural styles and stories.
• Authentic Creole Architecture: See original features and furnishings at St. Joseph.
• Learn About Slavery and Family Life: Discover the lives of families, enslaved men, women, and children who built and sustained these plantations.
• Active Sugar Farm: Observe the ongoing sugarcane cultivation, connecting past and present.
• Film and TV Locations: Felicity has appeared in 12 Years a Slave, Roots, and more.
• Accessible and Well-Structured: The tour starts on the hour and half-hour at designated points, with parking signs and guides available.

Starting at the Historic St. Joseph Plantation in Vacherie

The tour begins at St. Joseph Plantation, built in 1830, one of the few still owned by descendants of the original family since the 19th century. Visitors step inside to see original family furnishings and Creole architecture that vividly brings the past to life. The house features spacious galleries and well-preserved rooms, each telling stories of the families who lived here and the labor of enslaved individuals involved in its construction and maintenance.

The tour also takes you outside to explore original outbuildings, including former slave cabins. These structures give insight into the resilience and endurance of enslaved communities and the ongoing efforts to preserve this history. The guides provide detailed context about the generations of workers and owners, making the experience both educational and emotionally impactful.

Felicity Plantation: A Film Location with Active Farming

Next, the tour moves to Felicity Plantation, completed between 1844 and 1847. Its architecture blends Greek Revival with Creole influences, reflecting the cultural mixing in antebellum Louisiana. This plantation continues to operate as a working sugar farm, owned by the same family since 1877 and farmed by descendants through a family-run corporation.

Felicity’s grounds are notable for their appearance in multiple films and TV shows, including 12 Years a Slave, The Skeleton Key, and the remake of Roots. Guests get the rare opportunity to walk inside a filming location, adding a layer of Hollywood history to the experience. The property’s lush grounds and historic mansion serve as a vivid backdrop to stories of sugarcane cultivation and its historic significance in Louisiana.

The Active Sugar Farm and Its Significance

Throughout the tour, visitors observe the active sugarcane fields, which stretch across hundreds of acres. This ongoing farming activity links the past to the present, showing how these lands continue to be productive and relevant. The presence of working sugar farm operations at both plantations emphasizes the continuity of Louisiana’s agricultural traditions.

The sugar industry played a central role in the economic and social history of the region, and this tour offers an authentic view into its legacy. Visitors see how the plantations transitioned from slave-driven labor to modern family-owned operations, maintaining the land’s vital role in local life.

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Logistics and Tour Structure

The guided tours at St. Joseph start on the hour, with Felicity beginning on the half-hour. Guests are advised to arrive 15 minutes early and can park in designated lots marked with signs. Guides are available at each location to assist and provide context.

The tour involves walking through historic sites, including original outbuildings and slave cabins, so comfortable footwear is recommended. Since the plantation is still part of an active farm, visitors should expect a mix of historic structures and ongoing farming activities. The tour is conducted in English by a live guide, ensuring clear explanations of the sites’ history and significance.

Film and Television Highlights at Felicity Plantation

Felicity‘s role as a filming location adds a modern twist to the tour. The house and grounds have appeared in 12 Years a Slave, The Skeleton Key, Roots, and Underground. Visitors stand in a location recognized on screen, creating a connection between historical reality and contemporary storytelling. This aspect appeals especially to film enthusiasts who appreciate the blend of history and pop culture.

The Value of This Plantation Tour

Priced at $46 for 3 hours, this tour offers an in-depth look at Louisiana’s plantation heritage. It includes visits to two plantations, access to original outbuildings and slave cabins, and insights into plantation life, slavery, and ongoing farming. The high rating of 4.8 reflects the tour’s quality, knowledgeable guides, and comprehensive storytelling.

The combination of historic architecture, active agriculture, and film history makes this experience stand out among other plantation visits. It’s a well-rounded look at the complex history of Louisiana, with authenticity woven into every part of the tour.

The Sum Up: A Thoughtful Dive into Louisiana’s Plantation Past

The St. Joseph and Felicity Plantation Guided Tour provides a thorough, well-organized exploration of Louisiana’s plantation era. It balances beautiful architecture, powerful stories of slavery and resilience, and active farming traditions, making it ideal for visitors seeking a meaningful historical experience.

While the tour involves walking and some exposure to working farm activities, it remains accessible and engaging for most. The film locations add a fun dimension, and the expert guides help illuminate the layered stories behind each site. This tour is especially suited for those interested in history, architecture, agriculture, and film.

This experience delivers a respectful, honest view of Louisiana’s complex plantation history, with plenty of tangible connections to the present day. It’s a valuable addition to any itinerary that aims to go beyond surface-level sightseeing and truly understand the region’s cultural fabric.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

What is the price of the tour?
The cost is $46 per person.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins at St. Joseph Plantation, with tours starting on the hour; Felicity begins on the half-hour.

Is transportation included?
No, guests park in designated lots and follow signs to check-in.

What does the tour include?
It includes guided visits to both plantations, access to original outbuildings and slave cabins, and views of the active sugar farm.

Can I see filming locations?
Yes, Felicity‘s grounds have appeared in numerous films and TV shows, and visitors can see these locations firsthand.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, though walking is involved; comfortable footwear is recommended.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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