Louisiana’s E D White Historic Site

Just off Louisiana Highway 1 in Thibodaux, the E.D. White Historic Site is home to a family that produced a state governor and a U.S. Supreme Court justice. This National Historic Landmark house features a beautiful historical oak tree and a rich Louisiana history to explore.

Built with hand-hewn cypress around 1825, this house is an excellent example of Creole plantation architecture and traditional construction. It was bought by Edward Douglas White in 1829, and he and his wife remodeled it to reflect the Greek Revival style of that time.

History

There’s plenty of Louisiana history to be discovered at this National Historic Landmark along scenic Bayou Lafourche. The home was once the residence of two of the state’s earliest political figures, Governor Edward Douglas White and his son, US Supreme Court Chief Justice Edward Douglass White. An exhibit inside the home traces the area’s cultural history, including the Chitimacha Indians, Acadian settlers, slavery and sugar cane plantations.

Herbert Adams has been working at the site for 13 years, doing everything from maintenance to giving tours. He’s passionate about educating visitors to the property and helping them understand what life was like in the past. He’s also dedicated to preserving the property’s many live oaks, one of which is more than 25 feet in girth.

Exhibits

This is the home of Lafourche Parish’s first governor (Edward Douglas White Sr) and his son, who was the Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. The house is well-preserved and there are many interesting exhibits. The gentleman working there was very knowledgeable and happy to share his knowledge of the history of the site.

The antebellum home built with hand-hewn cypress was completed in 1825 and features Creole plantation architecture. The house is on Bayou Lafourche and is a beautiful example of the region’s heritage and culture. Exhibits inside the house explore the history of the Chitimacha Native Americans, Acadian settlers, sugar cane agriculture and slavery as well as the White family.

The Friends of E D White has conducted archeological digs, annual Arts Under the Oaks Festivals and Civil War reenactments at the site. It has also participated in cost-sharing projects with the Louisiana State Museum regarding drainage, fencing and HVAC repairs at the property.

Tours

There’s much to discover at this National Historic Landmark home of former Louisiana Governor Edward Douglas White and his son, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Edward Douglass White. The exhibits in this antebellum house trace the area’s history, from Chitimacha Indians and Acadian settlers to sugar plantations and slavery.

The property is also home to eight oaks that are registered with the Live Oak Society, including one more than 25 feet in girth. The free guided tours provide a glimpse of life along Bayou Lafourche in the 1800s.

For over 20 years, the Friends of E D White have helped to preserve and restore this historic home through membership dues, fundraisers, grants, and donations. They have also sponsored archaeological digs, kids under the oaks festivals, cistern building demonstrations, open hearth cooking demos, and monthly educational activities for students.

Directions

Located along scenic Bayou Lafourche, the E D White House is an authentic piece of Louisiana history. This historic property is operated as a museum, and gives visitors a peek into what life was like on the bayou in the 1800s. The house’s woodwork and architectural work have been preserved. Tours are given by the property’s owner, Herbert Adams. He names the trees on the property and teaches tourists about the county’s cultural history. He also tells stories about the area’s first residents, American Indians.

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