Oak Alley Plantation is a historic plantation located on the west bank of the Mississippi River, in the community of Vacherie, St. James Parish, Louisiana, U.S. Oak Alley is named for its distinguishing visual feature, an alley (French allée) or canopied path, created by a double row of southern live oak trees about 800 feet (240 meters) long, planted in the early 18th century — long before the present house was built. The allée or tree avenue runs between the home and the River. The property was designated a National Historic Landmark for its architecture and landscaping, and for the agricultural innovation of grafting pecan trees, performed there in 1846–47 by an enslaved gardener.

Oak Alley as a sugar plantation was built by and relied on enslaved men, women and children. This self-guided exhibit focuses on some of the individuals who were owned and kept on the plantation, their lives and living conditions. It also includes a look into life after emancipation, as laborers continued to live in the increasingly squalid housing until the 20th century.  The exhibit also serves as one of our Conversation Series locations, where staff offer a variety of talks on all things Oak Alley.

Plantation mansions were called “Big Houses” referencing their relative difference in stature compared to the enslaved dwellings and other outbuildings that made up the sugar plantation complex. The ‘Big House’ at Oak Alley is no exception. Built with success, prestige and power in mind, the Oak Alley ‘Big House’ commands attention.  (Insider’s tip: if a person in your party is unable to climb stairs, be sure to let your interpreter know. The 2nd floor portion of the visit is available on Ipad is available for guests who an not travel to the second floor.  Please also note that while photography is not permitted inside the mansion, visitors are encouraged to take photos on the balcony.)

Over time, several gardens and ornamental plantings were established by the many residents of Oak Alley.   The sprawling lawns and open pastures dotted with mature trees, ornamental gardens and agriculture crops have come to define the character of Oak Alley’s landscape. Visitors have had the opportunity to witness many of these but most notably the formal gardens and alley of oaks.  Opportunities exist to weave these elements together into a tapestry of history and cultural landscape.

With a 3 dimensional map of the Roman family empire and exhibit detailing how sugarcane was grown and processed—both when Oak Alley was an operating plantation as well as today—this space has lots to offer (Insider’s Tip: Visit this exhibit before you reach the mansion, it is packed with stories of how the plantation functioned, as well as just how important slavery was to creating the plantation and the mansion you are about to tour.)

According to oakalleyplantation.org; en.wikipedia. Source of photos: internet