Before the Civil War this was a Large Successful Plantation


Lakeport Plantation, Shives Arkansas
Date added: October 02, 2024
Front facade and south elevation, viewed from the southeast (1973)

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The Lakeport Plantation originated in the first half of the 19th century, and throughout that century was owned by a single family. The two-story cypress frame house faces the Mississippi River in the southeast corner of Arkansas, and is probably the best example of an antebellum plantation house in the state. Built circa 1850, Lakeport Plantation is of classical design with an imposing two-story portico centered on the entry facade. Two brick accessory buildings complement the main structure.

Chicot County tax records indicate that Joel Johnson, a native of Kentucky, was farming on the area now known as Lakeport Plantation in 1831. At that time the estimated value of his house was $100.00, so it can be safely assumed that this was not the stately Greek Revival home now, associated with the Johnson family.

During the next 35 years Joel Johnson's assets rose considerably as the quantity of his land, holdings, slaves, and, farm animals steadily increased. His taxable property in 1852 was valued at $100,000,00, and the value had doubled by 1860. However, like most Southern plantation owners, Johnson lost a great deal during the Civil War. By 1867 the total value of his taxable property was estimated to be only $28,000.00. The financial records of Joel Johnson's plantation typify those of many other Southern plantations during the middle third of the 19th century.

Following the Civil War, ownership of the property passed to Joel's son, Lycurgus Johnson. The plantation stayed with the Johnson family until the 1920s when Dr. Victor M. Johnson, son of Lycurgus Johnson, sold the property to Sam Epstein. Lakeport Plantation has since remained in the Epstein family, and as part of the Epstein Estate, is now managed by Epstein's grandson, Sam Angel. Having been owned by only two families throughout its long history has helped to preserve the integrity of the Johnson's plantation house and outbuildings. Though now unoccupied, the present owner continues to maintain and preserve the good condition of this historic plantation house.

Lakeport Plantation is a fine example of Arkansas' antebellum plantation architecture. Its classical features and spacious dimensions exemplify the residential tastes of a wealthy Southern planter in the years before the Civil War.

Site Description

The Lakeport Plantation remains as one of the finer antebellum plantations to be found in Arkansas. The main structure is of five-bay two-story frame construction measuring approximately sixty feet across and forty feet deep, not including the rear ell that contains the original double kitchens. A two-story portico with triangular pediment gable and centered rose window dominates three of the five bays of the entry facade.

A low-pitched hip roof combines with the symmetrical fenestration and entry portico to complete the Classical temple form of the plantation structure.

The exterior is characterized by weathered clapboard siding, a wide, plain entablature with decorated, boxed cornice, and floor-to-ceiling windows on the entry facade and side porch. These windows measure approximately twelve feet in height with fifteen lights total. The remaining windows are twelve lights each.

The front entry is by a twelve-foot high paneled door flanked by narrow sidelights. There are nine rooms on the main floor in addition to the large central hall and an adjacent but separate stair hall. The ceiling height for the main structure is approximately sixteen feet.

The interior woodwork is essentially plain. Most trim about the fenestration is plain with cornices over windows and doorways. Fireplaces are framed by pilasters with a plain frieze and simple mantel shelf. An exceptionally wide base molding is noted. A significant feature is the elaborate plaster cornice molding found in most downstairs rooms. The main front hall and the front parlor room have ornate ceiling medallions from which chandeliers once hung.

Upstairs are five bedrooms, a central hall, and a separate stair hall. The ceiling height is approximately fourteen feet. All doors have overhead adjustable transoms which aid in the circulation of air.

The rear ell is a one-story edifice with a gallery along one side. Therein is located the kitchen with its huge wood-burning fireplace and cast iron framing and oven. Two brick outbuildings are located in the area adjacent to the rear kitchen and remain in excellent repair. The roofs do not appear to be original.

The Lakeport Plantation is, essentially, in a fair state of repair, though the exterior is rapidly deteriorating. No apparent alterations have been made to the original structure, though there is evidence to suggest that small window balconies on either side of the entry portico have been removed. Additionally, a two-story side porch no longer is intact.

The house and outbuildings combine to make Lakeport Plantation an excellent example of antebellum plantation architecture in Arkansas.

Lakeport Plantation, Shives Arkansas Second floor front porch entry (1973)
Second floor front porch entry (1973)

Lakeport Plantation, Shives Arkansas Ceiling medallion (1973)
Ceiling medallion (1973)

Lakeport Plantation, Shives Arkansas Detail of cornice and doorway trim in first floor central hall rear (1973)
Detail of cornice and doorway trim in first floor central hall rear (1973)

Lakeport Plantation, Shives Arkansas Brick outbuildings, west of house (1973)
Brick outbuildings, west of house (1973)

Lakeport Plantation, Shives Arkansas Front facade and south elevation, viewed from the southeast (1973)
Front facade and south elevation, viewed from the southeast (1973)