The largest surviving Civil War mansion in the South, Notway Plantation in Louisiana, was engulfed in flames this week. The owner, who hopes to see the 166-year-old structure restored, is grappling with the aftermath.
According to lawyer William Daniel Dice, firefighters suspect the blaze was caused by electrical issues and not foul play. It’s believed the fire may have originated in a side bedroom; coincidentally, there was a tour scheduled for that same morning. Dice expressed his desire to rebuild.
The fire erupted just after 2 PM on Thursday at the historic estate, located about half an hour south of Baton Rouge. Local firefighters responded but struggled to contain the flames, aiming to save as much of the 53,000 square feet of the structure as possible.
A firefighter described it as the “biggest fire” they had encountered, and fortunately, no injuries were reported. Interestingly, Dice mentioned that he had only recently acquired the property following the previous owner’s tragic car accident.
Originally established as a sugar plantation in 1859 using slave labor, Notway was constructed under the direction of John Hampden Randolph. It transitioned into a museum during the 1980s, welcoming visitors from around the globe.
Reaction on social media has been mixed, with some expressing satisfaction over the incident. One commenter, Neo, shared their perspective: while some see the fire as a tragedy, for many Black individuals, it represents a form of justice. “Perhaps our ancestors can rest a little easier now. Sometimes, ashes feel like freedom,” he said on X.
Chris Daigle, president of the Diocese of Eberville, reflected on the plantation’s complicated history, acknowledging its ties to past injustices but also recognizing its evolution into a site of education and reflection.
Dice, for his part, is aware of the property’s polarizing history but emphasizes his and his wife’s commitment to equality and justice. “We’re not interested in radical leftist agendas; we want to focus on progress and positivity,” he said.
It’s worth noting that Dice also owns the Steel Magnolia House, famously featured in the 1989 film “Steel Magnolias.”
