What is the historic mansion in Natchitoches, Louisiana, and who built it?

The historic mansion in Natchitoches, Louisiana is known as the Melrose Plantation, also referred to as the Yucca Plantation. It is located on the Cane River and was built by a free African-American, Louis Metoyer, in the late 1700s. The plantation was later sold to a wealthy cotton planter, John Hampton Henry, who renovated the main house in the Greek Revival style in 1833.

The Melrose Plantation has a rich history and has been home to many notable people over the years. It was once a thriving cotton plantation, and later became an artist colony, with notable residents including writer Lyle Saxon and artist Clementine Hunter. Today, the Melrose Plantation is a historic landmark and museum, open to the public for tours and events.