History of Latta Plantation

From the Late 18th Century to the Present Day

1797 - 1799
Hayes

Moses Hayes purchased and homesteaded 100 acres of land in Mecklenburg County. The property had changed hands several times previously.

Note: This time period and the lifestyle of the yeoman farmer during the early 19th century is represented in the current living history museum by a replica cabin.

1799 - 1841
Latta

The Lattas owned the property and expanded it into a plantation.

In 1799, James Latta purchased Moses Hayes' 100 acres containing a log cabin. In 1800, he built the Federal style home that is now known as Latta Plantation. Latta made additional purchases of adjoining lands in 1800, 1813, 1816, and 1817, eventually owning more than 700 acres, much of which was planted in cotton.

Latta was a slave owner. He owned two slaves in 1800 and, at the height of his plantation's prosperity, owned 23 adults and 11 children. These Latta slaves contributed greatly to the success of the plantation.

In addition to raising cotton, the crops and livestock required to support the plantation community was actually produced on the property. Latta also had a mill, quarry, and part interest in a fishery called Penney's.

After Latta's death in 1837 at 82 years of age, his widow Jane (Jane's gingerbread recipe) remained at the plantation until 1839 when she moved to a small house across from one of her son-in-laws and his children.

1841 - 1853
Harry

David Harry purchased the house of James Latta and 420 acres from Rufus Reid, Latta's son-in-law and executor, on March 6, 1841.

1853 - 1922
Sample

William A. Sample purchased the house and land from the heirs of David Harry on July 26, 1853. He renamed the plantation "Riverside." In 1877, the property was willed to his son, Hugh Sample.

1922 - 1973
Duke Power (originally Catawba Manufacturing)

In 1922, the Samples deeded the tract of land to the Catawba Manufacturing Company, a subsidiary of Southern Power. In 1927, Duke Power merged with Southern Power, thus obtaining the property.

1973 - 1975
Latta Place, Inc.

Crescent Land and Timber Company, a subsidiary of Duke Power, donated the house and three acres of land to Latta Place, Inc., a non-profit organization.

The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

1975 - today
Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation

In 1975, Latta Place, Inc., deeded the house and land to Mecklenburg County. The county also purchased the additional acreage that makes up Latta Plantation Park. Latta Place does still run the living history museum.

Restoration work continued. The Latta Plantation big house was  restored by 1976 and again in 2004.