ALEXANDRIA, La. (WNTZ) – Tyrone Plantation, established in 1843 by George Mason Graham, stands as a testament to Louisiana’s rich and complex history. Located along Bayou Rapides in Rapides Parish, this 3,200-acre cotton plantation not only exemplifies antebellum architecture but also played a pivotal role in the establishment of Louisiana State University (LSU).

Founding and Early History

George Mason Graham, a Virginia native, relocated to Louisiana in the early 19th century. Drawing from his upbringing at Gunston Hall Plantation in Virginia, Graham constructed Tyrone Plantation in 1843. The estate featured a three-story main house, a granary, a brick kiln, a sawmill, a cotton gin, and a wharf facilitating barge traffic on the bayou.

Historical records indicate that enslaved labor was integral to the operation of Tyrone Plantation, established in 1843 by George Mason Graham in Rapides Parish, Louisiana. Graham, originally from Virginia, amassed significant wealth through cotton farming, relying heavily on enslaved individuals for labor. Bayou Brief states, by 1860, his assets were valued at approximately $6.1 million in today’s currency.

Census data from 1830 documents that Graham owned 112 enslaved people. Two decades later, in 1850, records show he held 87 enslaved individuals.

The fluctuation in these numbers reflects the dynamics of plantation economics and the harsh realities of enslaved life during that era.

Graham’s prominence extended beyond plantation management. According to Rapides Genealogy in 1856, Graham was appointed vice chairman of the Board of Trustees responsible for establishing a state university. Leveraging his influence, Graham advocated for the university’s location in Rapides Parish. Consequently, the Louisiana State Seminary of Learning and Military Academy, the precursor to LSU, was established near Pineville in 1860. The initial meeting to discuss its establishment is believed to have occurred at Tyrone Plantation.

Civil War and Reconstruction

The Civil War brought significant upheaval to Tyrone Plantation. Like many Southern plantations, it faced economic challenges during Reconstruction. Despite these hardships, Graham remained an influential figure in Louisiana’s educational and political spheres until his death in 1891.

20th Century Decline and Restoration

In the early 1900s, Tyrone Plantation experienced neglect and fell into disrepair. The once-thriving estate’s structures deteriorated, reflecting the broader economic and social changes in the South.

However, the latter half of the 20th century saw efforts to restore the plantation. Recognizing its historical significance, preservationists undertook renovations to return the property to its former grandeur. These efforts culminated in Tyrone Plantation’s inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places on March 14, 2019.

Current Use and Legacy

Today, Tyrone Plantation operates as a bed-and-breakfast and event venue, offering visitors a glimpse into Louisiana’s antebellum past. Guests can experience the historic architecture, including the unique underground tomb built by Graham for his wife and son, which has contributed to local legends of a “soldier ghost.”

The plantation’s connection to LSU remains a point of pride. Retired Judge Rae Swent, a former owner, often highlighted Tyrone’s role in the university’s inception. Visitors can reflect on the plantation’s contribution to Louisiana’s educational heritage while enjoying its serene environment.

Tyrone Plantation stands as a symbol of resilience and preservation, bridging the past and present. Its enduring legacy offers insight into the complexities of Louisiana’s history and the evolution of its cultural landscape.