On the way down LA-1, you pass through Plaquemine, LA. I was once again reminded that I need to spend some time in Plaquemine with the camera. Today was not the day, though – Plaquemine will take the better part of a day to explore. Therefore, after my meeting, and in service to you, dear reader, I took the circuitous route back to the bridge via River Road. I had never taken this particular stretch. There were a few pleasant surprises.
On the way out of White Castle, it's impossible to miss Nottoway Plantation. I've seen just about all of the so-called River Road Plantations now, and in my opinion, Nottoway is the most impressive structure. Others, like Oak Alley Plantation, have the gorgeous, erm, oak alleys, but Nottoway is a far more impressive building, at least from the exterior.
Finished in 1859, the home is miraculously a Civil War survivor and measures a robust 53,000 square feet. You can find out more about the history of Nottoway on their website. Here are a few pictures I snapped on my way past.
Below is St. Paul Catholic Church in Bayou Goula. Apparently the church is over 150 years old and suffered damage during Hurricane Gustav. You can find more information, and see more pictures, here.
Cows having lunch on the levee.
Further down the road.
At one point, I was driving about 50 miles per hour, and very nearly missed this weathered road sign. I literally snapped my head to the left and slammed on the brakes, then threw it in reverse for about 500 feet. Luckily, traffic was light.
Apparently Madonna Chapel measures 8' by 8' and was built in 1902 by a poor sugar farmer after an answered prayer to the Blessed Mother for his son.
Finally, I blew a lot of time at this cemetery, St. Raphael Cemetery, just outside Plaquemine, before River Road rejoins LA-1. Some of the graves date to the mid-1800s.
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