On our first outing to look at the Plantations, we visited plantations on the south side of the Mississippi River, today we toured the north side.

20150126-20150125__DX_3865.JPG
Destrehan Manor House was construction in 1787 and is the oldest plantation in the lower Mississippi.

20150126-20150125__DX_3897.JPG
In 1721, 300 German immigrants trickled into the French Colony deluded by propaganda describing Louisiana as "a land filled with gold, silver, copper and lead mines". These Germans were given land along the river about 25 miles from New Orleans. The industrious Germans planted crops of tobacco, corn, rice, beans, peas and other vegetables. Over the years they expanded to included all kinds of meat, grains and fruit, supplying New Orleans with their products. By the end of the Spanish era, the Germain Coast had become so well known for its abundance that it acquired the designation of Gold Coast. The Ormond Plantation, built 1787, is in the area known as the German Coast. Currently, it is being run as a Bed & Breakfast.

20150126-20150125__7D_0468.JPG
"Denver" is a 48 foot Louisiana Lugger style wooden tugboat built in Bayou Gauche in 1953. It remained in service till 1980.

20150126-20150125__7D_0483.JPG
Some new tug boats in use on the Mississippi.

20150126-20150125__DX_4125_6_7.jpg
San Francisco Plantation front

20150126-20150125__7D_0488.JPG
and back. Valsin Marmillion built a sugar plantation on the land left to him by his father. While touring Europe Valsin fell in love and married Louise, a German girl. After Valsin's death Louise moved back to Germany. A few years ago, Louise's granddaughter came to New Orleans looking for her American roots --- she found them at the San Francisco. She brought many letters, documents and family photos with her which she donated to foundation that takes care of the plantation.

20150126-20150125__7D_0464.JPG
The north shore of the Mississippi River use to be all plantations. Today the landscape has changed. Now the river bank is home to many different industries that use the Mississippi for transportation of goods. We saw grain and oil companies. This one is grain but we have no idea why they are watering the pipes.

20150126-20150125__7D_0510.JPG
Not sure what they were doing here but everything in the area was covered with red dust including street signs and fences.