Each side tells a story.
60,000 Sicilians were recruited to work on the Sugar Cane, Rice, and Cotton Plantations of Louisiana from 1870-1920. Having grown sugar cane, rice and other crops in Sicily since 1000AD, they quickly improved the yields of Louisiana crops in rice, cotton, and sugar cane.
While this monument focuses on sugarcane, our videos tell the story of Italians in Sicilians picking cotton and bringing vineyards to America. Later to be added are rice and mining.
The Tontitown Winemakers
The Italians and Sicilians were quick to become entrepreneurs and leave the plantations. Over 100 Italian families were recruited to work at Sunnyside Cotton Plantation in Arkansas in 1895. Soon many left and became wine makers in the Ozark Mountains.
The Rosati Winemakers
The Italians and Sicilians were quick to become entrepreneurs and leave the plantations. Over 100 Italian families were recruited to work at Sunnyside Cotton Plantation in Arkansas in 1895. Soon many left and became wine makers in the Ozark Mountains.