We flew into Memphis one day early to participate in a pre-trip visit to Elvis Presley's Graceland and adjacent Presley Enterprises' Exhibit Area on March 11, 2019. Double click to enlarge image or video.
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| Guest House at Graceland |
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| 1950's Cafe |
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Granddaughter Lisa Marie Presley now has title to Graceland
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Video of my Graceland pictures:
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| Elvis and Parents |
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| Elvis, Mother, Father and Grandmother are buried at Graceland |
Elvis and sun Records Sam Phillips
Lorraine Motel and Martin Luther King Memorial
Video of guide Hanna and ACL Historian Jim Wilson:
Continue tour of Memphis (buildings):
Sun Records Building:
Saint Jude Hospital Foundation and founder actor Danny Thomas:
Queen of the River Boat before departing Memphis
Memphis
First Night Dan Knowles and Eddie Coffey video:
Historic Vicksburg Walking Excursion
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| Crape Myrtle Tree not yet in bloom but will have pink blossoms like different tree in the background |
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| Gas Lamp |
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| Old, original brick payment |
Vicksburg Military Park Excursion
Second Night's Jazz Entertainment:
Longwood Plantation Video of second, never completed floor:
St. Francisville, LA and Rosedown Plantation:
Rosedown Plantation
Longwood (octagonal house never completed due to civil war) Plantation
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| Old, original cotton gin(erator) |
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| 500 pound bale of cotton |
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Another place (front gang plank) to dock because of high river water level
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| High water level at temporary dock location |
Myrtles Plantation
The video below was recorded but does not have an images:
Arrive Baton Rouge, LA
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| Jim's Bourbon briefing |
Hourmas House and Plantation
Atchafalaya Basin Excursion
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| LA State Capitol Building |
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Tallest State Capitol in US. Site of assassination of Governor Huey P. Long in 1932
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| Museum located next to dock but had no time to visit |
Houmas House
Garden Video:
Depart Baton Rouge and on to New Orleans
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| Sunrise view March 18, 2019 from our cabin |
March 18, Oak Alley Plantation
The historic grounds and exhibits at Oak Alley Plantation reflect the evolution of this National Historic site. Visitors are encouraged to allow a minimum of 2 hours to explore the grounds and exhibits.
For hours & admissions, learn more HERE.
The Landscape
From its 28 Oaks to its open spaces, to its hidden nooks and crannies, Oak Alley’s Landscape tells the story of a plantation in its evolution. Wide pastures stand where a Pecan Grove once thrived. A 1920’s formal garden quietly preserves the remains of a 1830’s kitchen hidden under its turf. As a landscape that speaks truthfully of its past with the parts that remain, it offers visitors an unrestricted opportunity to detach, contemplate and imagine. (Insider tip: Come early before the crowds)
The Slavery Exhibit
Oak Alley as a sugar plantation was built by and relied on enslaved men, women and children. This self-guided exhibit focuses on some of the individuals who were owned and kept on the plantation, their lives and living conditions. It also includes a look into life after emancipation, as laborers continued to live in the increasingly squalid housing until the 20th century. (Insider’s tip: No time restrictions so feel free to allow at least an hour for this exhibit)
The "Big House"
Plantation mansions were called “Big Houses” referencing their relative difference in stature compared to the enslaved dwellings and other outbuildings that made up the sugar plantation complex. The ‘Big House’ at Oak Alley is no exception. Built with success, prestige and power in mind, the Oak Alley ‘Big House’ commands attention. (Insider’s tip: if a person in your party is unable to climb stairs, be sure to let your interpreter know. The 2nd floor portion of the visit is available on Ipad for mobility-challenged guests. Please also note that while photography is not permitted inside the mansion, visitors are encouraged to take photos on the balcony.)
The Sugarcane Exhibit & Theatre
With a 3 dimensional map of the Roman family empire and exhibit detailing how sugarcane was grown and processed—both when Oak Alley was an operating plantation as well as today—this space has lots to offer. (Insider’s Tip: Visit this exhibit before you reach the mansion, it is packed with stories of how the plantation functioned, as well as just how important slavery was to creating the plantation and the mansion you are about to tour.)
The Blacksmith Shop
This forge is tribute to the enduring legacy of Louisiana craftsmen and shares the history of forging metalwork on plantations.
The Civil War Tent
An Historical Interpreter, in conjunction with a video kiosk, shares the impact the Civil War had on Oak Alley.
The Civil War exhibit will be closed October 28, 29 & 30, 2018 for regularly scheduled maintenance.
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| Mint Julip served to guests |
USS Kidd Battleship and Museum (next to dock)
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| Dredge Boat |
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Depart early morning on March 19 for New Orleans City Signature Excursion |
Videos taken on bus:
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| National WWII Museum |
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