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 special historic place in Thibodaux, Louisiana. It's also known as the Edward Douglass White Louisiana State Commemorative Area. This house was once home to two very important people.
First, it was the home of Edward Douglass White, Sr.. He was the tenth governor of Louisiana. Later, his son, Edward Douglass White, lived there. The son became a U.S. senator and then a Chief Justice of the United States. The house was named a National Historic Landmark in 1976 because of Edward Douglass White, Jr. As Chief Justice, he was part of a very important court case that affected laws across the country.
History of the White House
This historic house was built around 1790. It was made from strong cypress wood, cut by hand. The house was built in a style called "Creole-style raised cottage." It stood right by the Bayou Lafourche, facing what is now Louisiana Highway 1.
In 1829, Edward Douglass White, Sr. bought the property. Around 1834, he started to update the house. He changed it to match the popular Greek revival architecture style of that time. Because of its connection to such an important person, the house was officially named a National Historic Landmark in 1976.
What the House Looks Like
The Edward Douglass White House has a classic design. On the main floor, there's a central hallway. This hallway divides four main rooms, creating a balanced look. This kind of symmetry is typical of Greek Revival architecture.
At the end of the hall, there's a unique staircase. It leads up to two bedrooms on the second floor. The house was designed to stay cool, even in hot Louisiana summers. It has very high ceilings and a wide front porch, called a gallery. The house also sits on a raised brick cellar, which helps keep it cool.
Visiting the Museum
Today, the Edward Douglass White House is owned by the Louisiana State Museum. It operates as a historic house museum and is known as the E. D. White Historic Site.
When you visit, you can explore an exhibit inside the house. This exhibit teaches you about the history of the Bayou Lafourche area. You can learn about the Chitimacha Indians, who lived there long ago. You'll also discover the story of the Acadian settlers and how sugar cane plantations developed. The museum also shares information about the White family and their lives.
See also
