Locust Grove State Historic Site
Louisiana’s plantation past comes alive at this small family cemetery.
A few miles northwest of St. Francisville is a little-known cemetery that holds a fascinating footnote to Civil War history. Locust Grove State Historic Site sits on the grounds of what was once Locust Grove Plantation, a Civil War-era home owned by Confederate President Jefferson Davis’ sister, Anna E. Davis Smith. In 1835, decades before Davis would achieve the Confederacy’s highest office, he brought his young wife, Sarah Knox Taylor Davis, to visit. They had been married only three months before both husband and wife contracted malaria. Sarah died at the age of 21.
Today, visitors can find her grave at Locust Grove State Historic Site, along with the graves of other Davis family members. Also buried here is Brigadier General Eleazer Wheelock Ripley, one of the heroes of the War of 1812 and a U.S. Representative from Louisiana.
Things to Do Near Locust Grove State Historic Site
After your visit, stop by Afton Villa Gardens and Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge also in St. Francisville. A short drive away, check out the Pointe Coupée Parish Museum in New Roads.
Visiting Locust Grove State Historic Site
When is Locust Grove State Historic Site open?
Visiting Locust Grove State Historic Site is free, but it's open by appointment only. Contact the staff at Audubon State Historic Site toll-free at 888-677-2838 or locally at 225-635-3739 to schedule a visit.
Where is Locust Grove State Historic Site located?
Locust Grove State Historic Site is located a few miles northwest of St. Francisville.
