Black Union Soldiers of Laura Plantation Tour

Join a 50-minute tour as you bring to life the stories of 9 previously enslaved men who left Laura Plantation during the Civil War to fight for freedom in the United States Armed Forces.

In 1865, Black men accounted for nearly 10% of the United States armed forces, with over 200,000 men. Over 24,000 of these men came from Louisiana, and the lives and stories of the 9 men that came from Laura Plantation have been documented.

Laura Plantation was established as a sugar cane plantation in 1805, and by the arrival of the Civil War, this plantation was in many ways a village with almost 200 people living and working here.

As you listen to the stories of these 9 men who fought as Union Soldiers, you will be guided throughout the property to several stations that relate to the lives of these men. This tour does not go inside the main level of the house. Your guide will take you in front of the house, through the raised basement, through the Potager (kitchen garden), and into one of the authentic 1840s slave cabins still on the property.

The majority of this tour is outside, with several covered stations throughout.

Before or after your tour, have time to visit the self-guided exhibit "From the Big House to the Quarters: Slavery on Laura Plantation." A dedicated exhibit telling the authentic story of the enslaved
community of this Créole farm.

Mondays at 10:30 AM
Tuesdays at 10:30 AM
Thursdays at 10:30 AM
Fridays at 10:30 AM
Sundays at 1:30 PM