Overview

• Nottoway Plantation, a 64-room mansion built in 1859 using enslaved labor, was consumed by fire on May 15, 2025.
• Fire officials believe the blaze, which required response from 10 fire departments, was electrical in origin and not suspicious.
• The plantation served as a museum, resort, and event venue, drawing global visitors and contributing significantly to Iberville Parish's economy.
• Owner William Daniel Dyess, who recently acquired the property, has announced plans to rebuild the site, citing its cultural importance.
• The loss has sparked discussions on the plantation’s complex legacy, from its ties to slavery to its role in education and tourism.