The resulting land holdings tended to have narrow frontage but deep extent. Annual spring overflows deposited silt near the river edge, and this high bank was the obvious location for the main buildings of the holding. Thus, the land also determined the hierarchy of architectural development on the holding.
This hierarchy of spaces on the plantation followed a definite pattern. First, the river landing provided an entry to the owner’s house. Behind the house would be the workers’ quarters, and beyond these were the buildings necessary for the operation of the plantation.
Pictured on this page are details of two plantation houses typical of those which once lined the east bank of the Ouachita. The 1838 Filhoil raised cottage of [figure 19] has a Greek Revival portico with fan light in the front gable, Doric columns and a balustrade. The house was elevated for protection from the river overflow.
The Whitehall Plantation house, [figure 20], was built in 1858. Greek Revival style details include the squared transom and sidelights at the front door, low roof pitch, and pedimented window trim detail on the front gallery, [figure 21]. The gallery siding was flush but beaded. The windows extended to the floor allowing easy passage from interior rooms to the gallery. Operable, slatted shutters allowed sun control, ventilation, privacy.
Whitehall is a 1½ story house with dormers, attic rooms, and an integral gallery. These were typical features for the Greek Revival cottages of both North and South Louisiana. The central hall plan is another characteristic of this type, which is generally associated with American settlement.
Fig. 19. The 1830 Jean Baptiste Filhoil Greek Revival plantation house (Bldg. 134).
Fig. 20. Whitehall Greek Revival plantation house, 1858 (Bldg. 127).
