Madewood
a.k.a. Madewood Plantation House
E of Napoleonville on LA 308, Napoleonville, LAIn the architectural history of the State, Madewood is significant, for several reasons. Primarily, it represents the highest development of the pure Greek revival order in a plantation home. Plantations, before Madewood adopted classical motifs to more provincial plans, and several later homes, reflected more elaborate Roman or Italianate influence. But in Madewood, Henry Howard was able to create a home of great dignity and purity and yet of equal warmth. The forms are classi- cal, but they are interpreted in indigenous materials the doorways, for example, follow the Greek-key motif, but the wood tones soften the effect. Likewise, the delicate railings of the front gallery provide an airy contrast to the massive columns.
The charm of the huge "old kitchen"; the closets, dressing rooms, and parlor associated with the second- floor bedrooms; and the complete, signed faux bois wood- work are all significant aspects of the house. But its main importance derives from its total effect. For here is a house whose noble proportions reflect the grandeur of a past age, whose image excites by its reference to beauty and purity.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.