Woodland Plantation
When you think of southern comfort, sitting in a rocking chair on the broad veranda of an antebellum home on a warm summer's day is more likely to come to mind than "Southern Comfort", the Grande Old Drink of the south. At Woodland Plantation, the country home of southern comfort as we refer to it, you will find both.
Mad River Outfitters is thrilled to be hosting it's clients in this fabulous setting. We couldn't have imagined a more perfect setting.
Just 40 minutes south of New Orleans, Woodland and Spirits Hall offer outstanding service and cuisine in a unique setting rich in history, culture and natural beauty. You will discover a fascinating land and people when you travel down into the Deep Mississippi Delta. The Deep Delta is also quite possibly the top fishery in North America. You won't believe the redfishing available within a short drive from the lodge.
Woodland Plantation was built in the 1830s by one of America's first chief river pilots, Captain William Johnson. Captain Johnson and his partner, George Bradish, were sea captains/pirates from Nova Scotia who had come down to the Deep Delta in the late 1700s and worked for river pilot Juan Ronquillo.
In 1793, just before the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, Captains Johnson and Bradish built a grand home, Magnolia Plantation, 4 miles south of where Woodland now stands. Both families lived at Magnolia for 40 or so years until William sold his shares of Magnolia and built Woodland.
Captain Johnson and his 4 sons built a thriving sugar cane plantation with one of the most modern mills of its time. William was also in partnership with the famous pirate, Jean Lafitte. Lafitte would pirate ships off shore then bring the slaves up Grand Bayou, which was a short cut to the Gulf of Mexico from Woodland, and hold then at 4 large two-story brick slave quarters.
These buildings were built at the same time as Magnolia but on the site where Woodland would eventually be built. From there Captains Johnson and Bradish would pick up the slaves and trade them up and down the river.
This location is a hidden gem and located just south of New Orleans, the Woodland Plantation and Spirits Hall offers outstanding accommodations, actives and dining. All set in a place rich with history, culture and an abundance of natural beauty. This is a trip to remember for everyone who goes.
Gourmet Southern Cooking at the Spirits Hall
Let us put a taste of the "South in your Mouth"!
Join Mad River Outfitters at Woodland Plantation