In 1857, during the period of Greek revival architecture (1820-1860), sugarcane planter Robert Camp built Indian Camp Plantation, deigned by architect Henry Howard. On Persac's map of the Mississippi, c1858, the tract of land is identified as "Woodlawn." The mansion favors the classical Greek detail while retaining characteristics of the Louisiana raised-cottage type of plantation house.

But, the house departs from the basic square mass of the Louisiana style by the extension of 2 recessed, symmetrical wings with upper balconies. The central structure comprises 6 square brick columns supporting a flood-protected second floor veranda (and forming a probable first floor carriage drive-through).

At the second floor level, the brick columns meet 6 Corinthian columns supporting the roof structure. The fine but simple detail on the entablature reveals workmanship and design of professional quality and not simply the crude construction of a planter and his slaves.

Indian Camp Plantation at Carville has undergone the change from an asylum for those afflicted with Hansen's disease (leprosy) to a national leprosarium known as the National Hansen's Disease Center. In 1999, the federal government relocated its HD program headquarters from Carville to the Summit Hosiptal in Baton Rouge. Indian Camp Plantation then became administrative headquarters for the Louisiana National Guard installation at Carville.

In 1992 the plantation house, along with the hospital complex, became the Carville Historic District as it was added to National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service.

Information Courtesy of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)