Romanticizing Enslaved Living Conditions
When you think of 1800’s slave quarters you are probably reminded of the horrific living conditions enslaved people endured. Slave cabins were anything but glamorous; they served as cheap housing for plantation slave workers commonly next to grandiose mansions. However, the recent Airbnb listings of 1830s slave quarters, represent the willful ignorance of many. These Airbnb listings attempt to completely rebrand the dark history of slave quarters and their historic significance.
This conversation started when a recent TikTok video of an individual pointing out a suspicious Airbnb listing went viral. The listing in question is an 1830s slave cabin now turned into Airbnb. The inside of the cabin reveals a false reality of real slave quarters and essentially glamorizes enslaves peoples living conditions. Following this video, many people pointed out a variety of Air BnB listings of slave cabins.
Glamorization
The glamorization of these slave cabins paints a false reality of what life was actually like for enslaved people. Along with this, these listings are a perfect example of capitalism in America at its finest. These cabins are described as “beautiful, peaceful, and cozy”, completely erasing the true history of slave cabins. Consequently, this recent controversy led many to point out the unchecked uses of slave cabins. In a Tweet, Cici Admans stated: “Even before Airbnb began listing slave cabins, property owners used them as rentals, garages, bathrooms, offices, & more. Preservationists want it to stop.”
Should slave cabin owners decide what they get to do with these cabins, or should we regulate them?
While these cabins exist on many resold properties still standing, turning them for a profit is completely wrong. For comparison, no one attempts to rent out Holocaust concentration camps as Airbnbs. Along with this, Both places represent sites of trauma and horror. Treating them like vacation getaways disregards the experiences of those who lived there.
Moreover, the families of enslaved individuals should have the right to decide what happens to slave quarters or cabins. Allowing someone to profit from their ancestor’s slavery, is unacceptable. Slave quarters standing today, serve as important reminders of our country’s past–we should face the harsh reality of those mistakes.
Below is a list of slave cabins previously on Air BnB or other rental sites:
1. The Panther Burn Cottage Belmont Plantation
This cottage sparked the initial controversy. The Panther Burn Plantation Cottage was redone to appear “elegant” as one former visitor described it. Additionally, the TikToker who made the original video stated: “The history of slavery in this country is constantly denied, now it’s being mocked by being turned into a luxurious vacation spot.”
2. The Marguerite at Destrehan Plantation
3. The Maries Celeste at Destrehan Plantation
Both #2 and #3 former Airbnb listings are supposedly named after slaves who once lived in the cabins.
4. Private Suite/Bath Overlooking Courtyard in Treme
5. Beautiful Studio at Y&B Mansion near French Quart
6. 3 Blocks to Quarter/ Historic for MG With Pool
These three listings are less obvious to the eye. However, they are renovated slave quarters turned into Airbnbs.
