Did You Know That Adolf Hitler’s Horse is Buried in Louisiana?

Reportedly, a stallion owned by, quite possibly, the most evil person in history, is buried in Louisiana. But how would that even happen?

We don't have to go into detail about the atrocities that Hitler committed during World War II. It's been documented extremely well by many people. One thing that isn't very documented, but is believed, is that his horse lived a long life and died in Louisiana.

Just off of River Road in St. Rose, Louisiana, St. Charles Parish, is LaBranche Plantation. On the edge of LaBranche Plantation, is a stone marker and brass plaque that claims the burial spot for a chestnut thoroughbred stallion named Nordlicht (or "North Light"), believed to have once belonged to Hitler himself.

How Did Hitler's Horse Get To Louisiana?

The story goes that Nordlicht raced the Nazi circuit from 1943 to 1944, winning the German and Austrian derbies. He was undefeated, and named horse of the year in 1944, having his image placed on a German postage stamp.

When Hitler fell from power, Nordlicht's light dimmed as well. He was left to his manager and trainer by Baron Thyssen, a onetime Hitler supporter, when he fled to Switzerland. The US Army claimed Nordlicht as a spoil of war and brought him to the United States. There, he was purchased by New Orleans surgeon and horse breeder C. Walter Mattingly, who then brought him to LaBranche Plantation in 1948.

Clearly a well-producing stud, he spent the last twenty years of his life siring numerous offspring at LaBranche Plantation.

Is the Story True?

Dr. Mattingly sold the plantation to the Lentini family, who still operate it to this day, in 1983. The above story is the one that the Lentini family tells based on unspecified magazine articles and on word of mouth from Nordlicht's last owner, Dr. Mattingly.

There is technically no proof, except the word of the current owners of the plantation that Nordlicht was, in fact, owned by Hitler. However, if true, this means that there are dozens, if not hundreds, of third and fourth generation Nazi thoroughbreds pounding turf on American racetracks. *grimace face*

One other thing to note, that may substantiate the story a little more, is that St. Charles Parish, where LaBlanche is located, has long been known as "The German Coast" for its abundance of German settlers.

This video shows the area, the gravesite of Nordlicht, and more about the LaBlanche Plantation. Go to around the 1:45 mark to hear and see about Nordlicht.