A massive fire on May 15, 2025, completely destroyed Louisiana’s historic Nottoway Resort, the largest antebellum mansion in the South. Firefighters battled the blaze for hours, with ten departments working to contain it. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Built in 1859, the plantation most recently reopened to visitors during the 1980s. Many officials have called the loss of the plantation a loss of ‘Louisiana’s heritage’.

Not beyond surprise, contributor Dr. William Foote released a statement on the issue, bemoaning the deep impact for the Louisiana economy.

Dr. Foote reported: “The destruction of this sacred place, the Nottoway Plantation and Resort, is tragic. Granted, the complex history of the architecture and those old institutions will ruffle feathers to those not ordained to the regional subtleties, but what will be immediately seen is the impact to revenue from tourist dollars on the local economy. There was something to be learned and felt there, a ground where everyone could have found a relevant story and learned new considerations.”