1855 Antebellum Planter’s Cottage Natchitoches: The Story of the Andrew Morris House
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The 1855 Antebellum Mystery: Staying at the Andrew Morris House
In the heart of the Natchitoches National Landmark District stands a home that has weathered 170 years of Louisiana history. The Andrew Morris House, built in 1855, is a classic example of a 1855 Antebellum Planter’s Cottage Natchitoches travelers fall in love with—a style defined by its sturdy grace, wide galleries, and a soul that predates the Civil War.
A Glimpse into 1855: The World of the Builders
When the foundations of this home were laid, the world was a vastly different place. In Washington D.C., Franklin Pierce served as the 14th U.S. President, and across the Atlantic, Queen Victoria was overseeing the height of the British Empire.
In Natchitoches, the town was a bustling river port, the "Mini New Orleans" of the West. Wealthy families sought refuge from their sprawling plantations, building "town houses" like this one to be near the commerce and culture of Front Street. While the exact architect of the 1855 structure remains a mystery of the ages, the craftsmanship suggests a builder of immense skill and vision—someone who understood how to harness the river breezes with high ceilings and wide, inviting hallways.
The Ragan and Tucker Legacy of this 1855 Antebellum Planter’s Cottage Natchitoches
While the original 1855 blueprints may have lost their signatures to time, the history of the home is forever intertwined with the Ragan and Tucker families. These prominent local names acted as the stewards of the property through the most tumultuous decades of the 19th century.
Today, we honor that history within the house itself. Our most popular accommodations—the Ragan Suite and the Tucker Suite—are named in tribute to the families who preserved this 1855 Antebellum Planter’s Cottage Natchitoches landmark long before it joined our family of inns. When you stay in these rooms, you aren't just a guest; you are a part of a lineage that spans nearly two centuries.
The Story Behind the Name
A common question from our guests is: "Who was Andrew Morris?" Interestingly, the name is a modern tribute to the home's second life as a premier Bed and Breakfast. When I took over the maintenance and stewardship of this property in 2009, the house was named by combining the middle names of the ownership team at the time: Tod Andrew Working and his partner.
Beyond the personal connection, the name "Andrew Morris" serves a strategic purpose—ensuring this historic gem sits at the very top of any alphabetical directory of Natchitoches lodging. It is a modern name for an ancient soul.
Seventeen Years of Stewardship
Maintaining a home built in 1855 is a labor of love. Since 2009, I have personally overseen the preservation of its Antebellum "bones" while ensuring it meets the luxury standards of a 21st-century traveler. From the original wood floors to the period-correct molding, every inch of the Andrew Morris House has been curated to feel like a living museum.
Located just one block from Front Street and the Cane River Lake, the Andrew Morris House offers the unique ability to step out of 1855 and into the vibrant, modern energy of Natchitoches’ shops and restaurants in mere seconds.
Plan Your 1855 Escape
Whether you are a history buff, a fan of Antebellum architecture, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat in Louisiana's oldest town, the Andrew Morris House waits to welcome you. Experience the finest 1855 Antebellum Planter’s Cottage Natchitoches has to offer.
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