The Plantation houses a number of out houses which includes the Slave Quarters. The Slaves 'worked , in a manner of speaking from can to can't, from the time they could see until they couldn't'. These are the words of Abbie Lindsay , a slave on the Louisiana plantation, described the long,ardous labour which characterized the lot of slaves. If there were festivities in the 'Big House" silks for the mistress and wines imported form France, it was their labour that put them there. In 1820, Magnolia Mound had 53 slaves: by 1860 there were 79.
Their accommodation was sparse to say the least but were provided enough to stay warm, fed and clothed.
The kitchen Slaves's day started with the ringing of this bell which indicated that the fires were to be set and the food prepared.
It was a wonderful opportunity total an historical walk thought this time in Louisiana.
Other constructs on the property included the kitchen garden which provided the herbs, both for seasoning and medical purposes and vegetables for planation population. The Crop garden that had been which produced the "golden crop" which was the production of cotton. Sugarcane was also grown on this plantation. These crops replaced the production of indigo which was killing off the Slaves because of the chemical fumes given off during the production of this crop. Slaves were very valuable to the plantation owners. They were more valuable than the land. A status symbol on the property was the Pigeonnier (c. 1820) which was used to raise squab (young pigeons), which was considered a delicacy.
There is so much more to see and do.
Cheers,
Beverley and Ross
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