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From ABC News: A devastating fire destroyed the Louisiana’s historic Nottoway Resort, the largest antebellum mansion in the South, officials confirmed Friday.
“The fire has been contained now, but there’s no more Nottoway. The house is completely destroyed,” Iberville Sheriff’s Department Capt. Monty Migliacio told ABC News on Friday.
Emergency calls came in around 2:10 p.m. Thursday, reporting the fire, Migliacio told ABC News. The Iberville Sheriff’s Department arrived first, followed quickly by firefighters who fought the blaze at the White Castle mansion for hours.
“It was the biggest fire I’ve seen in my entire 20-year career,” Migliacio said.
Another video captured around 6:20 PM shows intense fire and major damage to parts of Nottoway pic.twitter.com/YkMfY2UV3y
— Steve Caparotta, Ph.D. (@SteveWAFB) May 16, 2025
Iberville Parish president Chris Daigle posted the following statement on Facebook late Thursday night:
Today, Iberville Parish mourns the loss of one of its most iconic landmarks — the historic Nottoway Plantation in White Castle, Louisiana — which was devastated by fire.
Built in 1859, Nottoway was not only the largest remaining antebellum mansion in the South but also a symbol of both the grandeur and the deep complexities of our region’s past. While its early history is undeniably tied to a time of great injustice, over the last several decades it evolved into a place of reflection, education, and dialogue. Since the 1980s, it has welcomed visitors from around the world who came to appreciate its architecture and confront the legacies of its era. It stood as both a cautionary monument and a testament to the importance of preserving history — even the painful parts — so that future generations can learn and grow from it.
We are deeply thankful that there were no injuries reported in the blaze. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the brave firefighters, emergency responders, parish personnel, and others who responded swiftly and did all they could to contain the fire to protect nearby structures. The cooperation and mutual aid provided by the fire departments of White Castle, Bayou Goula, Bayou Pigeon, Bayou Sorrel, West Baton Rouge, Plaquemine, Baton Rouge, St. George, Pierre Part, and Donaldsonville were instrumental, and we are immensely grateful for their efforts.
The loss of Nottoway is not just a loss for Iberville Parish, but for the entire state of Louisiana. It was a cornerstone of our tourism economy and a site of national significance. Its absence will be felt deeply — by our community, our state, and by the many who found meaning in its preservation.
As we process this tragedy, let us recommit ourselves to protecting and honoring our shared history — not just in grand structures, but in the values we carry forward.
Chris Daigle
Parish president
Dustin Van Fleet of Preservation Nation wrote: “Nottoway Plantation, circa 1859, the largest remaining antebellum home along the Great River Road in Louisiana, has been lost.
“A fire in a rear wing started this afternoon and had been contained. An hour ago winds reignited the embers and the fire spread throughout the main house. Firefighters have confirmed that the fire can no longer be contained.”
The cause of the fire was still unknown as of Friday. Reportedly, the owner, Dan Dyess, is still considering what to do moving forward, but has said he will consider rebuilding the 53,000-square-foot mansion.
Since the mansion was built by slaves, some Black people are mocking the fire and literally celebrating its destruction.
In the words of the legend Usher Raymond, “Let it burn!”
As a proud African American, I find it grotesque, highly disrespectful and highly insulting how plantations are celebrated and placed on a pedestal as scenic tourist attractions. I’m glad Nottaway burned.
Burn baby burn! pic.twitter.com/9e1KTotfbj— Kev Moyé (@Moye06) May 16, 2025
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