The Sugar Mill
The main source of income for the plantation was it's sugar. The mill originally used horses for power, but then switched to steam after Abner inherited his wife's money following her death. This is what is left of the mill.
After slaves were emancipated, Texas allowed plantation owners to use convicts as a labor force. Convicts boxed this area in as a fire box. The arched portion is original construction done by slaves, but shoddy work blocking in the firebox as a wall is the work of the convicts.
After slaves were emancipated, Texas allowed plantation owners to use convicts as a labor force. Convicts boxed this area in as a fire box. The arched portion is original construction done by slaves, but shoddy work blocking in the firebox as a wall is the work of the convicts.