Miss Louisa's Boarding House
In 1812 Louisa Fatio, just 15 years old , barely escaped the Seminole Indians when they destroyed her family's beautiful New Switzerland plantation on the St. Johns River. Frantically searching for safety throughout the wilderness of Florida the family first endures the bloody Patriots’ War only to see their new house destroyed by a hurricane. Next they sought haven in Fernandina until their home burned to the ground and invading Pirates captured the town. Fleeing once more the Fatios returned and rebuilt New Switzerland Plantation where Louisa becomes its charming hostess.
When the plantation was threatened once again by the Seminoles, Louisa flees to St. Augustine using her business skills and hospitality to create her career as an innkeeper - one of the few respectable occupations available to a woman of her standing.
Soon Miss Louisa’s lovely and famous Boarding House began to offer the best lodging and the finest table in tropical Florida. Her elite clientele enjoyed sunny days and balmy nights at her large and gracious Spanish style home.
So, gentle traveler, be aware that Miss Louisa adores nothing more than regaling her guests with tales of her adventures during Florida’s frontier years.
When the plantation was threatened once again by the Seminoles, Louisa flees to St. Augustine using her business skills and hospitality to create her career as an innkeeper - one of the few respectable occupations available to a woman of her standing.
Soon Miss Louisa’s lovely and famous Boarding House began to offer the best lodging and the finest table in tropical Florida. Her elite clientele enjoyed sunny days and balmy nights at her large and gracious Spanish style home.
So, gentle traveler, be aware that Miss Louisa adores nothing more than regaling her guests with tales of her adventures during Florida’s frontier years.