New Orleans, Orleans Parish / History
Buckner Mansion
A monumental Greek Revival estate in the Garden District, this 1856 mansion is famous for its towering columns and its role as the exterior for Miss Robichaux’s Academy in American Horror Story: Coven.
What is the Buckner Mansion known for?
The Buckner Mansion is a prime example of Greek Revival architecture and is considered one of New Orleans' most haunted landmarks. It also gained international fame as the exterior filming location for Miss Robichaux’s Academy in American Horror Story: Coven.
Where is it located?
It is located at 1410 Jackson Ave. in the Garden District of New Orleans, Louisiana.
What is the history of the mansion?
Built in 1856 by cotton magnate Henry Sullivan Buckner and designed by architect Lewis E. Reynolds, the mansion was sold by the Buckner family in 1923 and later served as a business school for about 60 years.
What does the architecture look like?
The mansion features Greek Revival architecture with a two-story portico, a pedimented gable, and double-decker columns (Ionic on the bottom level and Corinthian at the top).
Is it haunted?
Yes, it is regarded as one of the city's most haunted landmarks. Local lore includes the ghost of Josephine and reports of the sound of sweeping on the front porch or throughout the house when the space is empty.
What should I check before going?
Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.
What to know
Located at 1410 Jackson Ave, the Buckner Mansion is a towering example of Greek Revival architecture in the picturesque Garden District. Built in 1856 for Henry Sullivan Buckner, a wealthy cotton magnate and slave-owner, the residence was designed by architect Lewis E. Reynolds to be more opulent than the home of Buckner's bitter rival, Frederick Stanton. The estate is recognized as the largest surviving residence designed by Reynolds. The exterior is defined by a grand two-story portico featuring a pedimented gable. Its double-decker columns are a specific architectural highlight, with Ionic columns supporting the bottom level and Corinthian columns crowning the top. Inside, the home spans 20,000 square feet and contains 12 bedrooms, 16-foot ceilings, and gleaming brass chandeliers that evoke the wealth of the 19th-century Southern aristocracy. Following the Buckner family's sale of the property in 1923, the mansion transitioned into a prestigious business school for approximately 60 years. In 1990, Sandra and Norman King purchased the building, and subsequent restorations were carried out by Susan and Charles Zambito starting in 1997. Today, the property serves as a rental and event space, frequently hosting weddings. Beyond its history, the mansion has gained international fame as a filming location. In 2013, it served as the exterior for Miss Robichaux’s Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies in the television series American Horror Story: Coven. It is also regarded as one of the most haunted landmarks in New Orleans, with local lore attributing the site to the ghost of Josephine.
Visitor tips
- The mansion is a popular photo spot; arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds of fans.
- Walk the perimeter of the property to appreciate the transition from Ionic to Corinthian columns.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as this is a primary highlight of a larger Garden District stroll.
Nearby context
The Buckner Mansion is a cornerstone of the Garden District, situated near other historic landmarks such as the Carrollton Courthouse, which was also designed by architect Lewis E. Reynolds.
Sources
Evidence and links
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Historic Garden District Homes | New Orleans
Buckner Mansion - 1410 Jackson Ave.
neworleans.com -
Buckner Mansion - New Orleans, United States | CityDays
Buckner Mansion, in New Orleans’ picturesque Garden District, is a 20,000-square-foot house, built in 1856 by cotton magnate Henry Sullivan…
citydays.com -
Buckner Mansion Garden District - Unique NOLA Tours
He had the 12 bedroom, 20,000 square foot palace constructed in 1856.
uniquenola.com -
Inside New Orleans' Buckner Mansion and Its Haunted Legacy
The Buckner Mansion was constructed in 1856 as the grand home of wealthy cotton baron and slave-owner Henry Sullivan Buckner, who wanted a…
americanghostwalks.com -
Josephine Of Buckner Mansion – 1410 Jackson Avenue
One of the most popular and beloved ghosts in the Garden District is the ghost of Josephine, here at the Buckner Mansion.
hauntedhistorytours.com -
New Orleans mansion from 'American Horror Story' asks $4.5M
The asking price for this 9,062-square-foot dwelling, built in 1856 for Henry Sullivan Buckner, is a hefty $4.5 million.
nypost.com