Last updated: August 4, 2022
Place
Oakland Doctor's Cottage
NPS Photo/Annabel Jones
Quick Facts
Location:
Natchez, LA
Amenities
1 listed
Benches/Seating
For much of its history, Oakland Plantation was a thriving, self-sufficient farm community. Everything the Prud’homme family and the laborers needed was here on the plantation, including their own doctor. Various doctors would occupy this building throughout its history.
Large plantations had hospitals to provide medical treatment for their enslaved laborers. Quite often doctors would make rounds to area plantations treating the ill. In some cases, like Oakland, a doctor resided on the property. It is likely that the hospital at Oakland stood in the field beside the Cottage. The ailments of the enslaved were numerous. Due to their strenuous work schedule and environment, along with a poor diet, the enslaved fell victim to a variety of illnesses.
After a succession of doctors, this building became home to various members of the Prud’homme family. Today, the Doctor’s Cottage serves as a park administration building.
Large plantations had hospitals to provide medical treatment for their enslaved laborers. Quite often doctors would make rounds to area plantations treating the ill. In some cases, like Oakland, a doctor resided on the property. It is likely that the hospital at Oakland stood in the field beside the Cottage. The ailments of the enslaved were numerous. Due to their strenuous work schedule and environment, along with a poor diet, the enslaved fell victim to a variety of illnesses.
After a succession of doctors, this building became home to various members of the Prud’homme family. Today, the Doctor’s Cottage serves as a park administration building.