Former Governor’s Mansion Burns In Opelousas, Arson Suspected

An antebellum mansion in Opelousas that once served as the Louisiana governor's mansion burned to the ground this morning. Governor Thomas O. Moore resided in the mansion while Baton Rouge was occupied by Union forces in 1862 & '63. Officials received the call around 1 am Thursday. The building is a total loss. It was undergoing renovations, according to a KATC report. The fire marshal's office has ruled the fire a case of arson.