Rosedown Plantation in St. Francisville, Louisiana has 12 historic buildings. Here are a few of the outbuildings that surround the house. Rosedown was the home of Daniel and Martha Turnbull.
The Doctor's Office Built in 1844
Martha and Daniel Turnbull's 7 year old son, James Daniel, died from yellow fever in 1843. The Turnbulls then hired Dr. John King in 1844 to be the plantation's doctor and built this office for him. This was a rarity as few plantations had doctors that lived on site. Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
Dr. John King's Office at Rosedown Plantation Built in 1844
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
The Doctor's Office Interior
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
Rosedown Farm Bell
Farm bells were used to summon workers to the fields, along with alerting everyone to bad weather, fire, injuries or emergencies, deaths, and to ring in the New Year. Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
Rain Barrel
Rain barrels aren't a new idea. They have been used for centuries to collect rainwater. Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
The Conservatory
Martha Trunbull used the Conservatory to raise citrus and other exotic plants that needed protection from the cold weather. This is a reproduction of the 19th century original that was located in the same spot. Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
The Milking Shed and Nina's House
The milking shed and Nina's house are located behind the main house. Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
The Milk Shed
Dairy products, perishables, and root crops were stored in the milk shed. The building has a low, steeply angled roof that keeps the interior shaded. The floor is constructed of sunken brick to keep everything cool. Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
The Milk Shed
The low, steep roof of the milk shed was designed to keep the building cool. Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
The Milk Shed Interior
The sunken brick floor and low ceilings were designed to keep dairy products, perishables, and root crops cool. Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
Nina's Wing
Nina's wing was originally built in 1859 and was attached to the back porch of the house. After Sarah married James Bowman, Martha Turnbull moved into the wind and remained there until her death. Nina Bowman, last surviving daughter of Sarah and James, lived her until her death in 1955. When Catherine Underwood purchased Rosedown in 1956 and began extensive restoration, the wing was detached from the house and moved to the back yard. Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
Nina's House was built as a wing on the house in 1859.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
The Kitchen
Due to the fear of fire, kitchen buildings were separate from the main house. Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
The Kitchen
Meals were cooked on coals on the hearth of the fireplace. Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
The Kitchen
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
The Kitchen
The rear room in the kitchen was used at one time as a laundry. Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
Dovecote
Dovecotes were used as a nesting site for pigeons, doves, and quail that were raised for food. Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
The Old Barn
Originally, the old barn was where visitor's carriages were kept. Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
The Old Barn Horseshoe
Hanging a horseshoe over the door means good luck. If the horseshoe is hung with the ends up, it means it will catch good luck. If it's hung with the ends down, good luck will spill over the door and stop evil from entering. This practice dates back thousands of years. Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
The Old Barn
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
Buggy in The Old Barn
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
The Old Barn Hay Loft
Martha Turnbull used the top lofts of the barn to store her garden fertilizers. Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
Carriage in The Old Barn
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
The Old Barn-Sickle Mower on the left, Plow on the right
Sickle Mowers were used to cut off vegetation at the base. Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
The Old Barn- seed planter on the left, cotton or corn stalk chopper on the right
Both pieces of equipment were drawn by horses. Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
The Old Barn- Farm Wagon manufactured by Feltus Bros. Hardware, Natchez, MS
When cotton was ginned and the seeds removed, it was pressed into bales wrapped in burlap. Each bale weighed about 500 pounds. Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University
The Old Barn Farm Wagon manufactured by Feltus Bros. Hardware, Natchez, MS
Barbara H. Smith, ©2022 HGIC, Clemson University