The Bates-Irving Home

The Bates-Irving Residence’s original structure was built in 1845. This home is one of the oldest homes in North Louisiana and one of the best preserved.

The home is still structurally sound, although it has gone through some harrowing experiences, like the terrible tornado of 1932. This sturdy building, made of hand-hewn cypress, has existed for approximately 162 years. It is incredible that the original cypress siding is still as good as new on the North and South sides of the home.

Charles Hans Veeder, the founder of Minden, acquired this property from James Hiller on January 13, 1840 and sold it to Col. William Bates. The large barn was built in 1919, where cows were milked daily and coal was stored for fireplaces before natural gas came to Minden.

Frances Love, the current home owner, is a descendant of Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone with the Wind and offers home tours while detailing Margaret’s life and sharing memorabilia.