Harlem Plantation House, Pointe a la Hache Louisiana

Date added: June 01, 2023 Categories: Louisiana House Plantations & Farms

The Mississippi River below New Orleans was and is one of the main arteries of transportation in the nation, and undoubtedly most of the plantations along the river had relatively modest residences like Harlem. Many of these, however, have disappeared from the area, leaving Harlem as one of very few surviving examples.

Harlem is further distinguished (within the same geographical context) as a transitional building that reflects both the French and Anglo-American traditions. The hall-less plan and the chimney placement reflect the French influence, while the symmetrical articulation and the sash type windows reflect the Anglo-American influence. Harlem is noteworthy in this regard because its central room (a common feature in transitional architecture) is unusually large.

Building Description

Harlem Plantation House is a frame, one-and-a-half story, raised cottage which reflects both French and Anglo-American influences. It is located in a rural setting on the east bank of the Mississippi River about five miles upriver from Pointe a la Hache. The house was constructed c.1840 and received substantial renovations c.1910. Despite these alterations, Harlem retains those features which establish its identity as an Anglo-Creole raised cottage and hence its significance. A mid-nineteenth-century tenant's house is also on the property.

Harlem has a five-bay facade with a set-in gallery. A large central entrance is flanked by French windows with shutters. There are gable returns on the side elevations and two interior chimneys.

The French floor plan has three rooms, each with its own fireplace, and two cabinets. The three front rooms are symmetrical with an unusually large central room flanked by two smaller rooms of equal size. A rear wing, which features a gable front, was probably a detached outbuilding at one time.

The only c.1840 features remaining in the interior are the floor plan and three wooden Greek Revival mantels.

Harlem underwent a substantial renovation c.1910. Elements that date from that period include the extensive interior beaded siding; the stairway with turned balusters and fluted, corbelled newel posts; much of the interior woodwork; and the shed-type dormers. In the mid-twentieth century, a rear sun porch was added.