Established in 1809, St. Francisville is set in a unique location on a bluff of the Mississippi river. Often described as a town “two miles long and two yards wide,” the quaint community offers southern hospitality, fantastic shopping, and breathtaking scenery. Symposium events are held at several historic and picturesque locations.
Afton Villa Gardens:
 Although a fire in 1965 destroyed the gothic antebellum mansion, the gardens at Afton Villa are among the most famous and picturesque in the state. Beginning in 1972, Genevieve and Morrell Trimble undertook the task of restoring the grounds. Today the estate contains over 20 acres of formal gardens and pleasure grounds, including the famous ruins gardens, a formal parterre garden, a daffodil valley, a historic family cemetery, and more.
The Cabildo:
Taking its name from early Spanish colonial governing bodies and the structures that housed them, The Cabildo is thought to date from the early 1800’s. With heavy hand-hewn joists and sturdy walls of handmade bricks 22 inches thick, it overlooks the Mississippi River from Royal Street. In 1824, the building served as the first West Feliciana Parish Courthouse, and later years saw this adaptable structure housing all manner of enterprises, everything from a grocery store to a hotel, barbershop, drugstore and library. It has recently been beautifully restored as a private home by owners Joey and Peggy Gammill.
Hemingbough:
A cultural arts and reception center, Hemingbough takes advantage of the extraordinary scenic beauty of West Feliciana parish. Conceived and developed by Arlin Dease, Hemingbough’s classic architecture and tranquil gardens provide an ideal setting for the Southern Garden Symposium.
Jackson Hall at Grace Church:
Organized March 15, 1827, Grace Church is the second oldest Episcopal church in Louisiana. The present church, built in 1858-60, is a well-preserved brick structure reminiscent of Gothic country churches which dot the English countryside. Its peaceful oak-shaded cemetery is filled with fine statuary and Victorian monuments of marble and stone.
Market Hall:
Market Hall was built in 1819 as an open-air public market with the magistrate's office upstairs. The large arches which still exist at each end of the building allowed for the passage of wagons. Enclosed in 1868, the hall has served as Masonic Lodge, theater, library, and from 1974-78, as town hall. Recently returned to its historic state, it is maintained by the Historical Society.
The Oaks Plantation:
Surrounded by plantings of old-fashioned flowering trees and shrubs, The Oaks stands at the end of an alley of majestic live oaks. The house was built in 1888 by Judge Thomas Butler on a tract of land that was originally part of Rosedown. The turreted cottage is the current residence of Irv and Betsy Daniel.
Ouida Plantation:
Located approximately 14 miles northwest of St. Francisville, Ouida sits on the top of a high ridge line, surrounded by rugged ravines, beech-magnolia woodlands and small open fields. The gardens surrounding the home have been planted with an abundance of native plants and perennials attractive to birds and butterflies. Expanded to its current size in 1869, it is believed that the original house, consisting of the front two rooms, dates from the 1840s.
Rosedown Plantation:
 Built by Daniel and Martha Turnbull in 1834, Rosedown remains one of the most majestic properties in the area. The gardens are as grand as the home and were the province of Martha Turnbull throughout her life. The gardens grew out from the house over a span of several years, to cover approximately 28 acres. Currently, the main house, historic gardens and 13 historic buildings and 371 remaining acres of Rosedown Plantation are preserved as a state historic site by the Office of State Parks.
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