The construction of Nottoway started in 1855 with Randolph buying the
land that the plantation sits on today. this land sits on the bank of the
Mississippi River. since then, the river and levee systems have taken away
approximately 6.5 acres of river front land from the plantation grounds.
The cypress wood used to build the mansion was cut at Forest Home, the
Randolphs' former home. John hired Henry Howard to design the home for
the family. Howard was one of the most well known architects in Louisiana
history. 40 contract workers lived next to the house in tents to complete it in
1859. When it was completed, it cost roughly $80,000.00. there were many
individuals who came into the house to do unique works, like Jeremiah
Supple, who did the frieze work on the walls and columns. A young man by
the name of Newton Richards was comissioned to construct the granite steps
in the front of the house. when the house was completed, it was known as
The White Castle of the Mississippi River.
land that the plantation sits on today. this land sits on the bank of the
Mississippi River. since then, the river and levee systems have taken away
approximately 6.5 acres of river front land from the plantation grounds.
The cypress wood used to build the mansion was cut at Forest Home, the
Randolphs' former home. John hired Henry Howard to design the home for
the family. Howard was one of the most well known architects in Louisiana
history. 40 contract workers lived next to the house in tents to complete it in
1859. When it was completed, it cost roughly $80,000.00. there were many
individuals who came into the house to do unique works, like Jeremiah
Supple, who did the frieze work on the walls and columns. A young man by
the name of Newton Richards was comissioned to construct the granite steps
in the front of the house. when the house was completed, it was known as
The White Castle of the Mississippi River.