Old Governor’s Mansion Burns Down In Apparent Arson

Investigators say the Old Governor's Mansion in Opelousas was intentionally set on fire Thursday morning, causing the historical building to completely burn down.

State Fire Marshal's Office Chief Deputy Brant Thompson says the burning down of the mansion, as well as another historical building in the city, are being worked as arson cases. Thompson says they aren't sure if the arsons are connected but that's not being ruled out. Police say the mansion was completely engulfed in flames when they arrived.

The Prudhomme House was the home of Governor Thomas Moore in the 1860s during the Civil War when Union soldiers occupied Baton Rouge. Efforts had been underway to restore the mansion with the goal of using it as a Civil War museum.

Fortunately, no one was hurt in the incident. No one was home when the fire started.