WHITE CASTLE, LOUISIANA — It was a really heartbreaking day for Louisiana on May 15, 2025, when the famous Nottoway Plantation caught fire and suffered serious damage. This wasn’t just any house — it was one of the South’s most well-known and historic mansions. Built way back in 1859, this 165-year-old building lost its roof and several rooms to the flames.
The Fire Broke Out Fast and Spread Even Faster
The fire started sometime around 2 p.m., in the southern wing of the mansion. Within minutes, smoke was all over the place, and huge flames were racing through the building. And since the place is massive — over 53,000 square feet — firefighters said it was super hard to control the blaze.
People nearby stood watching in shock. One local said, “It honestly felt like we were watching a piece of our history burn right in front of us.”
Fire Crews Struggled With Water Issues
Firefighters came in quickly from nearby towns like White Castle, Baton Rouge, and Plaquemine. But even with the backup, they ran into a big problem: they didn’t have enough water. That’s when they had to get creative and start pumping water straight from the Mississippi River to keep going.
Just when they thought they had things under control, the fire flared up again later that evening. That second wave caused even more destruction — the main roof finally gave in and collapsed. It was just devastating to see.
Community Reacts With Sadness and Shock
Mitch Ourso, the Iberville Parish President, said the fire was “a major loss for our community.” And honestly, a lot of people agree. Social media was full of memories and sad messages — people sharing photos of weddings held there, stories from school tours, or just saying how special the place was to them.
A former staff member said, “It wasn’t just some old building. It was part of our lives. Part of our stories.”
Thankfully No One Was Hurt, But the Damage Is Huge
The good news? No one got injured in the fire, which is honestly a relief. But the mansion itself didn’t make it through so well. It’s badly damaged, and officials are still trying to figure out just how much was lost. Right now, there’s an investigation underway to figure out what started the fire in the first place.
A Major Loss for Louisiana's History
If you grew up in Louisiana, chances are you’ve at least heard of the Nottoway Plantation. With 64 rooms, it was one of the largest antebellum homes in the U.S., and it was even listed as a historic place. Over the years, it became more than just a tourist spot — it was used for weddings, school trips, and even as a hotel.
conclusion
What happened to Nottoway isn’t just about losing a building. It’s about losing a big part of Louisiana’s past. And while investigators look into what started the fire, one big question remains: What now? Can it be rebuilt, or is this truly the end of a piece of our history?
