Historical Home Wednesday

Things have been extremely busy these past few weeks and I haven't had much time for blogging. However, I've decided to unplug from the hectic schedule and just take a little downtime to enjoy the things I enjoy most...blogging and researching historical homes (especially plantations).

I've been absolutely horrible about keeping up on Historical Homes Wednesday. So today I've decided to jump back into the swing of things and write my first Historical Home Wednesday post for 2011. I've decided to share with y'all the gorgeous Madewood Plantation. It's truly spectacular.

This is the Madewood Plantation located in Napoleonville, Louisiana. It was built by New Orleans architect Henry Howard for the Pugh family in 1845.

In 1795, the three Pugh (pronounced 'Pew') brothers set out for Louisiana. They settled along the Bayou Lafourche to grow sugar cane. Louisiana is still today big on sugar and coffee for those who might not know. Many wealthy entrepreneurial men invested their fortunes along the banks of the Mississippi river building quite an empire for business, politics, and high society that still lingers today.

Thomas Pugh hired architect Henry Howard to build a plantation home that would outshine both his brothers along the bank of the bayou....and so the Madewood was built.

During the 19th century many architectural styles came from European influence and some from the Middle East. Since architects were not as common as they are today, America didn't have architect schools until 1865. Many of American architects prior to 1865 would study in Paris. That is why the plantations and cities like New Orleans have a lot of French overtones throughout the South. Massachusetts's Institute of Technology was the first to teach architecture in 1865 but Notre Dame was the first to offer a degree in architecture in a university setting in 1898.

Henry Howard gave the Madewood more of a Greek-Revival look rather than the traditional French colonial homes that were popular in through out the region. It had started becoming a trend on the East Coast but not so much in Louisiana. This made the Madewood really stand out from all the other plantations in the area.

Look at that beautiful staircase

I would give anything to have this old world look but the convenience of my modern appliances. The chandelier and the fireplace are my favorite things about this room.

What I would give to have this baby doll and carriage. I have a friend who has an amazing doll collection. I'll have to ask if it would be alright to do a post on them. It's truly a fantastic collection.

Thankfully the Madewood was spared during the Civil War. However, Thomas never saw the 100% completion of the house because he passed away in 1852. His widow, Eliza Foley, continued the completion of the home. She was also the one who convinced the Yankees not to burn down the house by informing the Union general that Thomas had been a Mason.

After her death the house passed through many hands. During the Great Depression the Thibaut family acquired it but sold it to Mrs. Harold K. Marshall in 1964. Naomi is the mother of the current owner, Keith Marshall. Today Madewood can be enjoyed by all as it is opened to the public as a grand Bed & Breakfast.