The owners of Nottoway Plantation have filed suit against Iberville Parish Government, its president, and the City of Plaquemine following the fire that destroyed the plantation’s historic mansion in White Castle, Louisiana in May of 2025.

Multiple Louisiana news outlets reported that the lawsuit alleges firefighters failed to fully extinguish the fire before leaving the scene, allowing the blaze to rekindle and ultimately destroy the structure. (wafb.com; wbrz.com). WFAB reports that the parish president arrived on scene and ordered the firefighters to “stand-down.” A copy of the complaint is not available to verify the news reports.

Nottoway Plantation, constructed in 1859, was widely described as the largest remaining antebellum mansion in the South. The property operated as a resort and tourist destination and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

According to both WAFB and WBRZ, the lawsuit alleges firefighters initially brought the fire under control, but failed to completely extinguish it before clearing the scene. The reports state the plaintiffs contend the fire later reignited and spread through the mansion, resulting in a total loss of the structure.

WAFB reported that Iberville Parish’s president disputed the allegations, stating the claims are “untrue” and that the parish intends to contest the suit. The destruction of the mansion drew national attention because of the property’s historical significance. Multiple reports noted that while the main mansion was destroyed, some surrounding buildings on the property survived the fire.

Besides the allegations related to the rekindle, the plantation owners alleged the water supply available to firefighters was inadequate.