We started the tour, and from the start, our tour guide just about jogged us down the first gravel path which was difficult for my senior parents. About 15 min into the tour, my mother fell when she tripped over a brick step. Instead of responding appropriately, and offering first aid, our tour guide took off and continued the tour without us, and the rest of the group left my parents and I to fend for ourselves. My father had to chase her down and let her know (about 100 yards ahead at that point) that we would be turning back and would not be continuing the tour due to her injuries. My father and I then supported my mother on each side while she slowly limped back to my truck, which was parked quite a distance away. No effort was made to find her transportation back, and we later found out that there was at least one golf cart on site that could have been used in such a case.
They DID give us a full refund, but the caretaker, Ms. Kelly, only offered her apologies when asked if they had insurance that would cover a doctor or ER visit if it was needed. I don't know about anyone else, but even my homeowner's insurance covers personal injuries of individuals visiting my home. I would think that a home like Evergreen Plantation that offers public tours for profit would have such an insurance policy just in case.
I would never abuse someone's insurance or take advantage of them. I just wanted to be sure that my mother would be taken care of in case she needed more care than some anti-inflammatories and an ice pack. I also wanted to be sure that the staff was properly trained in first aid procedures in case someone was injured in the future, especially if something more severe were to happen. I did NOT feel very confident that this was going to happen after speaking with Ms. Kelly.
I will not be returning. It's such a shame due to the fact that it's a beautiful property and I'd love to learn the...
Read moreWe visited both Evergreen and Whitney Plantation next door and had a great day. Evergreen is very beautiful and is the only fully preserved plantation. We love the movie Django Unchained, so it was very cool to see where some iconic scenes were filmed. The oak alley and gardens are really lovely. Our tour guide, Robin, was fun, approachable and informed. However, I felt the structure of the information given was a little confusing - jumping back and forth between time periods and subjects at times. I think the 1.5 hour tour time was a little too rushed to allow for full explanation, given that there are so many interesting stories to tell. We were not given time to walk around and read signage ourselves. There is a difference between pre-American and post-American slavery, which this tour tried to get across but did not always achieve. We also felt that the tour really glossed over a lot of the terrible things that went on here and at other plantations. There was an emphasis on slaves and masters 'cooperating', which sat a little awkwardly after having heard the sad story of slavery told with such poignancy at Whitney Plantation. There was more of an emphasis on the history of this particular plantation and its owners than on the wider story of slavery in the region. Nevertheless, it was really interesting to see the intact slave cabins and other buildings. We did enjoy our time here, but if you do choose to come I would really recommend pairing with Whitney next door for a more in-depth and brutally honest...
Read moreEvergreen Plantation, located on the west bank of the Mississippi River in Wallace, Louisiana, is one of the most well-preserved antebellum plantations in the United States. Built in 1790 and renovated to its Greek Revival style in the 1830s, Evergreen is renowned for its elegant manor house, 37 original structures, and 22 slave cabins arranged in a double row—making it a vital site for understanding the history of slavery and Southern plantation life. In the mid-20th century, the plantation fell into decline. The once-thriving sugarcane fields and historic buildings faced the threat of neglect and development, much like many other Louisiana plantations. However, its fate changed thanks to Matilda Geddings Gray, heir to a prominent Louisiana oil fortune. Matilda, recognizing the plantation’s cultural and historical value, poured her wealth and passion into its restoration. A known preservationist, Ms. Gray was particularly drawn to Evergreen’s significance as a tangible reminder of the complexities of Louisiana’s past. She led efforts to stabilize the structures, preserve the original architecture, and ensure the integrity of the site’s historical narrative. Her contributions ensured that Evergreen became a National Historic Landmark in 1992, protecting it for future generations. Today, Evergreen Plantation stands as a monument to their dedication, symbolizing how preservationists can safeguard history while...
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