History Comes Alive at Cane River Creole

News Release Date:
October 11, 2024

Contact:Barbara Justice, 318-663-7299

On Saturday, October 19, the past will come to life at Oakland. Plantations resembled small towns and were mainly self-sufficient, in that most of the food, clothing, and goods needed were produced and manufactured on the plantation.

"Cane River Creole National Historical Park is pleased to host this living history day," said Interpretation and Education Manager Barbara Justice. "This is an opportunity to glimpse into the daily lives of the people who lived and worked on Oakland Plantation."

Step into the past with skilled park rangers and park partners as you learn how to spin cotton into cloth and how to make bousillage, a traditional Creole building material. Watch a blacksmith and experience the clang of the hammer on hot iron and view a special museum exhibit of the tools of the enslaved carpenters, masons, and blacksmiths who built the plantation structures.

In addition, the National Park Service welcomes former plantation residents and their descendants back home. Generations of the same families of workers, enslaved and tenant, and owners lived at Oakland Plantation for over 200 years. During self-guided tours from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm visitors will have the unique opportunity to visit and talk with former plantation residents. There will be crafts and games for children throughout the event. Finally, fall is pecan harvesting time! You are invited to gather up to one gallon of pecans per person per day for home use. A pecan sheller will be available at the Oakland pavilion.

There is no entrance fee at Oakland Plantation. All tours and activities are free. Oakland Plantation is located at 4386 Highway 494, Natchez La 71456. To reach Oakland Plantation, take I-49 to Exit 127, Flora/Cypress. Head east on LA Highway 120 toward Cypress. Cross over LA Highway 1 onto LA Highway 494. The parking lot and entrance pavilion for Oakland is 4.5 miles east of Highway 1 on the left.

The grounds of Oakland and Magnolia Plantations are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nearly 70 original buildings remain, many open for self-guided tours including several that are historically furnished from Wednesday through Sunday. Park staff conducts tours of the plantation grounds daily Wednesday through Sunday. In addition, the park offers tours on the NPS App. The Oakland Main House is open for self-guided tours from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The Magnolia Main House is privately owned and is not open to the public. For more information, please find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/canerivercreoleNPS or call the park at 318-352-0383, ext. 316.

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