The Houmas Plantation, Ascension Parish, Louisiana 1840

This vintage photograph, taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston, captures the historic plantation known as The Houmas, located in Ascension Parish, Louisiana. The structure, built in 1840 by Colonel Preston of Charleston, features a striking two-story design adorned with a square cupola and columns on three sides. Its architectural elements, including dormers and octagonal garconnieres, highlight the grandeur of Southern plantation homes.

Surrounding the building are lush vines and decorative porches that contribute to the serene landscape typical of the region. The presence of water towers further emphasizes the functionality and elegance of plantation life during this era.

This image is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, a collection aimed at documenting the architectural heritage of the region. It offers a glimpse into the past, reflecting the craftsmanship and style that characterized Louisianas plantation architecture in the 19th century.