Shadows-on-the-Teche

Nestled in the heart of New Iberia, Louisiana, Shadows-on-the-Teche is a remarkable historic site that offers a glimpse into the grandeur and complexities of the antebellum South. This 3,750 square foot house, built in 1834, stands as a testament to the architectural elegance of the Greek Revival style and the rich, yet tumultuous history of the region. As you walk through its gardens and halls, you are transported back in time to an era of opulence, social gatherings, and the stark realities of plantation life.

The Architectural Splendor of Shadows-on-the-Teche

Perched 20 feet above the banks of the Bayou Teche, Shadows-on-the-Teche is a striking example of Greek Revival architecture. The house boasts a seven-bay entrance facade adorned with eight full-height Tuscan columns, which support a second-floor gallery. The handmade red brick construction is complemented by minimal decorative elements, allowing the building's form and structure to shine. The gabled roof, punctuated by three pedimented dormers and symmetrical brick chimneys, adds to the stately appearance of the house.

The rear facade is equally impressive, featuring a central two-level loggia enclosed on three sides by the house. Accessed by triple brick archways on the ground floor, the loggia is flanked by double fenestrations on each level, creating a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor spaces. The narrow staircase leading to the second level, supported by double white columns and enclosed by a banister, adds a touch of elegance to the design.

The Intricate Interior

Inside, the house follows a traditional Creole plan with three rooms across the front and two rear rooms flanking the loggia. The first floor's centerpiece is the dining room, with its striking black and white checkered marble floor. To the right of the dining room is an art studio, while to the left is a pantry that later served as a kitchen. The second floor features an ornate parlor at its center, flanked by the master bedroom with an adjacent sitting room on the left, and secondary bedrooms on the right.

The interior walls are adorned with wallpaper, and the cypress doors are painted to simulate oak. The fireplaces, finished to resemble marble, add a touch of sophistication to the rooms. The house is furnished with Federal-style and Empire-style furniture, sourced from the U.S. East Coast, which further enhances the historical ambiance of the property.

The Enchanting Grounds

The grounds of Shadows-on-the-Teche are a testament to the vision of its last private owner, William Weeks Hall. The gardens, formed by boxwood hedges and aspidistra walks, are dotted with live oaks, bamboo, camellias, azaleas, and other lush plantings. At the northeast corner of the house lies an underground brick cistern, a remarkable structure with a capacity of over 4,000 gallons.

To the north of the house, between the building and the bayou, stands a summer house built in 1928. Designed to mimic the arches on the rear facade of the main house, this structure serves as a focal point in the gardens. The property also includes the Weeks family cemetery, where four generations of the family are buried, including William Weeks Hall, who passed away in 1958.

A Journey Through History

The story of Shadows-on-the-Teche is deeply intertwined with the history of the Weeks family and the broader narrative of the antebellum South. Built for David Weeks and his wife Mary Conrad Weeks, the house was designed as a town house for social life and entertainment. However, the family soon faced a series of tragedies, starting with David Weeks' death in 1834, followed by the loss of their daughter Frances Mary Weeks Pruett and her children in the 1856 Last Island hurricane.

Mary Weeks remarried lawyer John Moore, and the household became a staunch supporter of African American slavery. During the Civil War, the property was requisitioned by Federal troops, and part of the house was used as officers' quarters. Mary Weeks passed away in 1863, and the house was inherited by their eldest son, William F. Weeks, who partially restored the family fortunes during the Reconstruction era.

The property's fortunes waned again after William's death in 1895, leading to the sale of much of the surrounding land. However, in 1922, William Weeks Hall moved into the house and dedicated himself to its preservation. An accomplished artist, Hall entertained many notable figures of the age and eventually donated the house and gardens to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1958.

Preserving the Legacy

Today, Shadows-on-the-Teche is a National Historic Landmark, attracting over 25,000 visitors annually. The property serves as a center for research and learning, thanks to the efforts of the Iberia African American Historical Society, which opened a research center on-site in 2022. Visitors can explore the house, gardens, and cemetery, gaining insights into the complex history of the region and the lives of those who lived and worked on the plantation.

A visit to Shadows-on-the-Teche offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the grandeur and complexity of the antebellum South. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a beautiful and thought-provoking destination, Shadows-on-the-Teche is a must-see attraction in New Iberia, Louisiana.