The full name of this historical Louisiana mansion is the Van Benthuysen-Elms Mansion, which boasts of Italianate architecture. It is one of the finest historical attractions in the city?s Garden District as well as being the only historical mansion located along the famous St. Charles Avenue.

The mansion, built in 1869, had been originally designed for Watson Van Benthuysen II, who was also known as the ?Yankee in Gray?. A New York native, the Confederate Army officer had transferred to Louisiana in the 1830?s. Related to Jeffrey Davis through his wife, the officer had later on become a Quartermaster of the president.

In the 1930?s till the 1940?s, the property had also become home to the German Consulate. In the 1950?s, John Elms Sr. had purchased the house, which is available today for venue rentals and is currently managed by the third generation Elms.