Edward Douglass White House facts for kids
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Edward Douglass White House
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 Location in Louisiana
Location in the United States
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| Location | 2295 LA 1, Thibodaux, Louisiana |
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| Area | 3 acres (1.2 ha) |
| Built | 1790 |
| NRHP reference No. | 76000964 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 8, 1976 |
| Designated NHL | December 8, 1976 |
The Edward Douglass White House is a state historic site near Thibodaux, Louisiana. It is also known as the Edward Douglass White Louisiana State Commemorative Area. This house was home to two important people. One was Edward Douglass White, Sr., who was the tenth governor of Louisiana. The other was his son, Edward Douglass White. He became a U.S. Senator and then the Chief Justice of the United States.
The house was named a National Historic Landmark in 1976. This was because of its connection to Edward Douglass White, the son. As Chief Justice, he was part of a major court decision. This decision was about "separate but equal" facilities. This idea meant that public places could be separate for different groups of people.
History of the White House
This historic house was built around 1790. It was made from strong cypress wood. The style was a Creole-style raised cottage. It stood on the banks of Bayou Lafourche. Today, it faces Louisiana Highway 1.
Edward Douglass White, Sr., bought the property in 1829. Around 1834, he started changing the house. He updated it to the popular Greek Revival style. The house was officially recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1976.
Architecture of the Home
The main floor of the house has a central hallway. This hall divides four rooms. This design shows the balanced look of Greek Revival architecture. An upside-down staircase at the hall's end leads upstairs. There are two bedrooms on the second floor.
The house has high ceilings and a wide front porch. It also has a raised brick basement. These features helped keep the house cool during hot Louisiana summers.
The Museum Experience
The Louisiana State Museum now owns this house. It operates as a historic house museum. It is called the E. D. White Historic Site. Inside the home, visitors can see exhibits. These exhibits show the history of the Bayou Lafourche area.
You can learn about the Chitimacha Indians. There are also displays about Acadian settlers. Other exhibits cover sugar cane plantations and the White family's history.
See also
