The Duplantier Live Oak

“Old Number 986"

At St. James Place lives an old friend known to the Live Oak Society of Louisiana as number 986.

It is more commonly known as the “Duplantier Oak,” and it has been alive since about 1776!

The Live Oak Society of Louisiana writes: “… we cannot imagine what growing up in Louisiana would have been like without spending a good deal of time among the limbs of a majestic live oak tree.”

Indeed, for decades many a boy and girl having grown up around what is now Lee Drive would surely have spent many a lazy afternoon playing in the shade of its outstretched limbs, and one can only imagine weary soldiers of the blue or gray having paused to rest and sip a canteen of cool water under its canopy — and by then, it was nearly 90 years old!

It is on this land where Clara Daigre lived and when she married in 1869 into the Duplantier family, of Magnolia Mound renown, her estate became known as Duplantier Plantation. St. James Place now occupies that property and in 1983, this majestic oak was entered into the registry of the Live Oak Society. On that day, it measured in with a girth of 16 feet, 11 inches and was given its name in honor of Ms. Clara and her family: Duplantier.

Today, the Duplantier Oak is a symbolic centerpiece at St. James Place.

On any given day, you may well find residents cooling their heels under its welcoming arms. Mrs. Millie, a proud 102 years young, is one such resident. She has lived at St. James Place for nearly 13 years; fished in its lake, cooled under the oak, and told more than a story or two. When asked about that old oak tree, she replied:

“It’s gorgeous and beautiful to look at each day!”

Visit St. James Place on-line and schedule a visit!
This article written by Kenn Elder and featured in the Senior Resource Guide for the greater Baton Rouge area.
Photograph of Mrs. Millie by Tonya Dixon.