Friday Field Trips- “A French Creole Plantation in Baton Rouge: Magnolia Mound!”

When driving down Nicholson Drive headed into downtown Baton Rouge, it is quite easy to stumble upon a quaint home sitting atop a hill. Magnolia Mound Plantation is a pride a joy of the Baton Rouge Recreation Commission. Known for its historical influence as a French Creole Plantation erected in 1791, Magnolia Mound serves as a piece of history for Baton Rouge locals and visitors. Literally sitting on a mound once overlooking the Mississippi River, Magnolia Mound is surrounded with memories of a time gone by. The old wooden house is the oldest in Baton Rouge.

Our trip to Magnolia Mound was spurred by our interest in their “Black History Month” exhibit now on display through March 31, 2010. The exhibit features stories of the contributions of Baton Rouge citizens in the Civil Rights Movement. There would not have been the famous Montgomery Bus Boycott if it were not for the success of the Baton Rouge Bus Boycott. The exhibit is located in the Magnolia Mound information and gift center.
Heading over to the historic home, it is easy to visualize the memories of this great house from kids running around the property to women opening doors and windows to take advantage of the breeze funneled through the great oak trees in the front yard. You can see the elders of the home on the front porch watching the Mississippi River turn into a commercial traffic zone. Inside the home, the BREC staff has set up a mock up of what the home would have looked like in the 1800s. One quick interesting note, in the boys room you can see the original beams and architectural skills used to build the home through a glass frame.
Ever wondered how to make waffles without a waffle maker or how about toast without a toaster? Magnolia Mound features an open-hearth cooking demonstration every Tuesday and Thursday October – May! See how history used items grown fresh in a garden and prepared for meals. For safety reasons, you cannot eat the food, but it is way cool to watch.
The grounds of Magnolia Mound are well kept and our visit gave us a special treat. Two breathtaking Japanese Magnolia Blossom trees caught our attention with their beauty.
Also on the grounds at Magnolia Mound Plantation is the Slave Quarter House which was originally located at River Lake Plantation. A peek inside the quarters reveals the life and customs of those who tended to the families and land at Magnolia Mound.
On a beautiful spring, summer, fall or winter day a visit to Magnolia Mound Plantation can be educational, inspirational and relaxing.

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