The Oakland Plantation property, near the historic city of Natchitoches, dates back to a 1789 Spanish land grant made to Jean Pierre Emmanuel Prudhomme. Prudhomme's plantation was one of the first to grow cotton on a large scale. Enjoying great success, Prudhomme's land holdings quickly expanded along the Red River. Both Louisiana and Mississippi plantations mirrored his success, and soon cotton was king and typical cash crops of tobacco, rice and sugarcane became secondary.
   The Oakland Plantation home was built in 1821. Raised at the end of a double line of live oaks, the mansion was aptly named Oakland. Today, the Oakland Plantation home and its out-buildings make up part of the Cane River Creole National Historic Park, managed by the National Parks Service. Acquired by the National Park Service in 1997, there are 17 original buildings within this site that makeup a small community. Once home for 104 slaves, the plantation property preserves cabins, a carpentry shop, the Prudhomme general store and post office, a doctor's cottage and an assortment of farm buildings.
   The plantation was passed down through generations of the Prudhomme family and a portion is still in operation today. This National Historic Landmark is found on Louisiana Route 494, 12 miles south of Natchitoches. The plantation is open for self-guided tours from 8 am to 4 pm daily and guided tours are offered at 1 pm.

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