Edward Douglass White House

The Edward Douglass White House is a cypress-wood mansion with a central hall dividing four main rooms and an interior staircase leading to two upstairs bedrooms. The building combines Creole and Greek Revival architectural styles and operates as a museum maintained by the Louisiana State Museum.

The house was built in 1845 from hand-hewn cypress wood and served as the residence of Edward Douglass White Sr., who later became governor of Louisiana. His son, also named Edward Douglass White, eventually rose to become Chief Justice of the United States.

The house reflects the stories of multiple communities that shaped the region, from indigenous peoples through Acadian settlers to plantation families. Visitors experience how these different groups influenced daily life and building traditions in the Bayou area.

The building sits in Thibodaux near Bayou Lafourche and is accessible by local roads. Visitors should allow time to examine the architectural details and the museum displays covering regional history.

The house was deliberately designed with high ceilings and wide galleries to create natural cooling during hot months. The raised brick foundation underneath the building served the same purpose and shows how early residents adapted to the subtropical climate.

Location: Louisiana

Website: https://louisianastatemuseum.org/museum/ed-white-historic-site

GPS coordinates: 29.75403,-90.72931

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:10