John Randolph decided that he wanted a more fitting home and planation to fit the position and status of his successes. He found the property in 1855. The house would face the Mississippi River, which was a major transportation route at the time. He started to gather all of the elements he would use in his home. bricks were hand made and cypress was bent. He hired Henry Howard of New Orleans to design Nottoway plantation. Randolph was not worried about the expense. Construction was completed in 1859 at $80,000. The house contained many intricate details that could never be duplicated. Nottoway has 64 rooms in its 3 floors, 6 interior staircases, 3 modern bathrooms, 22 massive square columns, 165 doors and 200 windows. Designed in the Greek Revival and Italianate style for which Howard was renowned, it features 15½ foot high ceilings and 11 foot doors.
The home also withstood the Civil War. The grounds of Nottoway were occupied by both Union and Confederate troops during the war, and the castle was fired upon several times by Northern gunboats. A column at the front was hit in 1863 with a 6.4 inch solid lead grapeshot, and the grapeshot fell out on its own in 1971. Nottoway was saved from one attack by a young Northern officer on board a gunboat. He had been entertained at the plantation's parties and balls prior to the war, and recognized the castle from the Mississippi River. He called for a cease-fire, sparing the home from damage in that battle. But, the plantation grounds were not immune to shelling and cannons during the war, drawing Mrs. Randolph, her children and slaves to the basement for protection. Even though it was saved, Nottoway was still stripped of animals and firearms. But the slaves were safe.
The home also withstood the Civil War. The grounds of Nottoway were occupied by both Union and Confederate troops during the war, and the castle was fired upon several times by Northern gunboats. A column at the front was hit in 1863 with a 6.4 inch solid lead grapeshot, and the grapeshot fell out on its own in 1971. Nottoway was saved from one attack by a young Northern officer on board a gunboat. He had been entertained at the plantation's parties and balls prior to the war, and recognized the castle from the Mississippi River. He called for a cease-fire, sparing the home from damage in that battle. But, the plantation grounds were not immune to shelling and cannons during the war, drawing Mrs. Randolph, her children and slaves to the basement for protection. Even though it was saved, Nottoway was still stripped of animals and firearms. But the slaves were safe.