Tucked away in the rolling hills of West Feliciana Parish, St. Francisville is a sleepy little town with a lot going for it. The tiny but mighty town of fewer than 2,000 residents is the perfect escape for anyone looking to slow things down a bit and admire some beautiful scenery and incredible history. Both nature lovers and history buffs will enjoy St. Francisville, a town with more historical markers than street lights (not literally, but close!).
There’s a lot to love about St. Francisville, and the town’s history is at the top of the list.
Jet Set/Google Originally named Villa of St. Francis, the town was established in 1807. Its location along the Mississippi River made it an important commercial and cultural center for countless surrounding plantations in the area, many of which are still standing today.
One must-see historic site in St. Francisville is the Grace Episcopal Church.
La Lisa Brown/Google One of the oldest Protestant churches in Louisiana, Grace Episcopal Church was organized in 1827, and the church was completed in 1860.
The church did suffer massive damage from Union gunboats in 1863 but it was repaired in 1893.
Dominique Hazard/Google The organ is one item that is original to the church, dating back to 1860. Spend some time strolling through the cemetery. With canopies of oak trees overhead and several notable burials here, this cemetery is hauntingly beautiful.
History lovers and nature lovers alike will enjoy a visit to the Audubon State Historic Site.
Tom Gardiner/Google
The historic site is home to the Oakley Plantation house and during your visit, you’ll be able to take a tour inside, catching a glimpse of a day in the life of the residents who lived here.
Louisiana Travel/Google
You may recognize one of the plantation’s most iconic residents: John James Audubon.
Kaptan Kurt/Google He spent the summer of 1821 here, and this is where he was inspired to create some of his most famous works including many of the “32 Birds of America” paintings he created.
For even more nature, take a stroll around the Afton Villa Gardens.
Chelsy Gable/Google Afton Villa was once a plantation with formal gardens in the 1800s. The mansion was destroyed in a fire in 1963, but the gardens survived. The gardens are still maintained today and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
There are over 20 acres of formal gardens to stroll through here.
Mitch Singley/Google
Peaceful and serene do not begin to describe the atmosphere here. Take your time admiring the famous ruins gardens, the formal parterre garden, a daffodil valley, and more.
Mitch Singley/Google There’s also the historic family cemetery on the grounds.
Of course, the most famous historic landmark in St. Francisville is the Myrtles Plantation.
Management/Trip Advisor Known as the most haunted plantation in the country, today it serves as a bed and breakfast that also offers historic tours as well as ghost tours.
While it looks dreamy, spending the night here is only for the bravest of the brave.
Management/Trip Advisor Several paranormal investigators have come through here, and each one is convinced that there are spirits trapped within the walls. The most well-known ghost is the ghost of Chloe, but there’s also speculation that the plantation was built on top of a Native American burial ground, leading many to believe that this is the reason this place is such a paranormal hotspot.
St. Francisville is just one of the many beautiful small towns in Louisiana. Check out some of our other favorite small towns in Louisiana that are just downright delightful places to spend a day or two seeing the sights.
Jet Set/Google
Originally named Villa of St. Francis, the town was established in 1807. Its location along the Mississippi River made it an important commercial and cultural center for countless surrounding plantations in the area, many of which are still standing today.
La Lisa Brown/Google
One of the oldest Protestant churches in Louisiana, Grace Episcopal Church was organized in 1827, and the church was completed in 1860.
Dominique Hazard/Google
The organ is one item that is original to the church, dating back to 1860. Spend some time strolling through the cemetery. With canopies of oak trees overhead and several notable burials here, this cemetery is hauntingly beautiful.
Tom Gardiner/Google
Louisiana Travel/Google
Kaptan Kurt/Google
He spent the summer of 1821 here, and this is where he was inspired to create some of his most famous works including many of the “32 Birds of America” paintings he created.
Chelsy Gable/Google
Afton Villa was once a plantation with formal gardens in the 1800s. The mansion was destroyed in a fire in 1963, but the gardens survived. The gardens are still maintained today and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Mitch Singley/Google
There’s also the historic family cemetery on the grounds.
Management/Trip Advisor
Known as the most haunted plantation in the country, today it serves as a bed and breakfast that also offers historic tours as well as ghost tours.
Several paranormal investigators have come through here, and each one is convinced that there are spirits trapped within the walls. The most well-known ghost is the ghost of Chloe, but there’s also speculation that the plantation was built on top of a Native American burial ground, leading many to believe that this is the reason this place is such a paranormal hotspot.
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Address: Saint Francisville, St Francisville, LA 70775, USA
