Ashland Belle Helene Plantation, Highway 75, Geismar, Ascension Parish, LA

1990 Charles E. Peterson Prize, Entry
Significance: Ashland-Belle Helene exemplifies the massiveness, extreme simplicity, and dignity which are generally held to epitomize the Classical Revival style of architecture; it is a more complete Classical statement than the vast majority of Louisiana plantation houses. With its broad spread of eight giant columns across each facade and its full heavy entablature, Ashland-Belle Helene is among the grandest and largest plantation houses ever built in the state. In the 1870's the plantation consisted of approximately 3500 acres and produced 391 thousand pounds of sugar, 24,000 gallons of molasses, and 5,000 bushels of corn. Currently, in 1990, the plantation is in the process of renovation with plans for new flooring, environmental and security control systems, and interior refurbishment.
Unprocessed Field note material exists for this structure: FN-129
Survey number: HABS LA-80
Building/structure dates: 1841 Initial Construction
National Register of Historic Places NRIS Number: 79001050