Oak Grove Plantation, Pigeoniers, State Highway 61, Saint Francisville, West Feliciana Parish, LA

1995 Charles E. Peterson Prize, Entry Significance: Pigeonniers, dovecotes, or pigeon houses evolved during the domestication of wild pigeons during ancient Roman times. The Romans built houses called "columbaria" that held up to five thousand birds. The usual shape was round with a vaulted roof and was built of stone. ... The pigeonniers at Oak Grove are reminiscent of those found in the Normandy area of France. The octagonal shape and brick and timber structure as well as the conical shape of the roof were common in France. The northern pigeonnier, unfortunately, has deteriorated. Its roof and all of the second floor have collapsed onto the first floor. Because of this loss, the survey of the remaining pigeonniers is important. Unprocessed Field note material exists for this structure: N186 Unprocessed Field note material exists for this structure: N1272 Survey number: HABS LA-1254-A Building/structure dates: ca. 1830 Initial Construction