Trip Ideas: Explore Central Louisiana's African American History

Take in the heart of Louisiana: its rolling hills of red clay and thick forests of fragrant pines — an extraordinary backdrop for exceptional people. In Ferriday, Alexandria/Pineville and Natchitoches, learn about Louisiana’s iconic Black and Creole musicians, novelists, activists and painters.

Black History in Ferriday, Louisiana: Hear our Heritage

In downtown Ferriday, The Delta Music Museum highlights notable Black R&B musicians who lived in central Louisiana, like Fats Domino, Aaron Neville and Percy Sledge. Visit the site of Haney’s Big House, a former nightclub now commemorated by an interpretive marker. This shotgun-style joint was run by the city’s most successful Black businessman, William Haney, who celebrated the work of Black musicians during the Civil Rights Movement. In 1966, the nightclub was mysteriously destroyed by fire after two years of targeted threats by the Ku Klux Klan. 

Later, explore nearby Frogmore Cotton Plantation & Ginsa cotton plantation from the early 1800s still in operation today. Tours describe the life of enslaved individuals and the labor conditions they endured during the Civil War and Reconstruction eras.

African American History in Alexandria, Louisiana: Follow the Northup Trail

Starting in Alexandria, follow the Northup Trail, a harrowing 83-mile route that traces the passage of Solomon Northup. A free-born African American forced into slavery, Northup details his experience in the memoir 12 Years a Slave. Begin at Red River Landing in Alexandria, visiting historic homes, cemeteries and other historic sites along the way. 

While in Alexandria, see the exterior of the Arna Bontemps Home, flanked by signage that details the prolific author’s life. As a novelist, poet, playwright, essayist and historian, Bontemps continually opposed the injustices of segregation and was a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance.

Creole History in Natchitoches, Louisiana: Explore Art and Culture

In Natchitoches Parish is Melrose Plantation, the original seat of the Afro-Creole Metoyer family, their influence imbued into the city. Learn more about Louisiana’s unique Afro-Creole history and heritageand marvel at works by folk artist Clementine Hunter, whose paintings detail life at Melrose and rural Black life in Louisiana.

Later, visit St. Augustine Church, built by a Metoyer. This house of prayer, unique to the Creole community by being the first Catholic Church in the United States to be founded, financed and built by African Americans, is is more than two centuries old and still in active use today. 

In the area is Cane River Creole National Historical Park, which includes sections of Magnolia and Oakland plantations. Learn Louisiana’s Creole history at the intersection of French and African culture, and explore early Creole life.

Looking to learn more about Louisiana’s Black history? Explore the African American Heritage Trail or find moretrip ideas and things to do in Natchitoches and Alexandria.