BREAKING: Iconic Nottoway Plantation Destroyed By Fire

Once hailed as the largest home in Louisiana and one of the most iconic antebellum mansions in the South, Nottoway Plantation in White Castle is now a heartbreaking ruin.

Located just 15 miles from Baton Rouge, this historic estate—also known as the Nottoway Resort—was built in 1859 by enslaved laborers for sugarcane baron John Hampden Randolph, his wife, and their 11 children. Designed by New Orleans architect Henry Howard, the 53,000-square-foot Greek Revival and Italianate masterpiece was constructed from durable cypress wood, allowing it to survive wars, hurricanes, and generations of change for more than 160 years.

The estate boasted 64 rooms, 165 doors, and 200 windows—most of which could double as doors—along with modern luxuries for its time such as flushing toilets, gas lighting, and even a bowling alley. In recent years, Nottoway operated as a luxury hotel, museum, and popular wedding venue.

But on Thursday, May 15, 2025, the unthinkable happened.

More: The Iconic Nottoway Plantation - History of Louisiana's Historic Antebellum Mansions

End of an Era: The Fire That Changed Everything

WAFB reports flames broke out in the south wing of the estate just after 2 p.m. and quickly spread to the main house. Despite a massive response from area fire departments—including crews from White Castle, Plaquemine, Bayou Goula, Baton Rouge, and more—firefighters were met with limited water supply and a fast-moving blaze fueled by high winds and the building’s age.

By sunset, most of the mansion was either charred or collapsed. The north wing and much of the back wall were gone. Only the chimneys remained standing, stark against a sky filled with smoke and ash. The iconic balcony and grand facade also gave way, crumbling under the heat.

Witnesses, workers, and community members looked on in disbelief.

A longtime staffer told the news, “This building has stood here since the 1850s. To see it go like this… it’s unreal.” Another resident said, “It survived floods, hurricanes—everything. But not this.”

Built in 1859. Survived hurricanes, floods, and time itself. But not this. Fire destroys the 53,000 sq. ft. Nottoway Mansion.

Thankfully, no guests or injuries were reported. Staff and first responders acted fast, but the fire spread too quickly to be contained in time.

Nottoway Plantation: A Legacy Lost, But Not Forgotten

The Nottoway Plantation was more than just a tourist destination. For many, it was a living piece of Louisiana history. A home. A symbol. A place filled with complicated stories—of grandeur and pain, of beauty and burden.

Now, with much of the structure destroyed, questions remain about what can be salvaged. But one thing is certain: Nottoway’s legacy won’t be erased by flames.

164 Years Gone In Hours - Watch Before Louisiana River Road Mansion Was Gone

Click below to watch a guided tour of Nottoway, filmed before the fire, along with a video on the spirits said to still haunt the halls. This may be the last full glimpse of the mansion as it stood. Click the link [ttps://youtu.be/9OyraGuHerY?si=dREYNaA7TfNsjF1n] and take a full historic guided tour!

BONUS VIDEO: Nottoway has a haunted past like many centuries-old plantations on old River Road in White Castle, LA. Below hear more about the Nottoway ghosts as told by tour guide Janet Bryant.

When the fire first broke out, the owners vowed to rebuild, FOX8 reports “in the spirit of preservation.” But now, the future is uncertain. What’s left of Nottoway is little more than soaked wood, crumbled walls, and a haunting absence in Louisiana’s historical landscape.