A rare inheritance. A stubborn kind of love.
During the mid-19th century, James Terry acquired two parcels of land in what is now the Terry community of West Carroll Parish, Louisiana. He later left that land to his four Black sons — an extraordinary act of inheritance that helped preserve family land ownership for future generations and shaped a legacy that continues today.
Eight generations later, this land is still in the family. It has been farmed, protected, celebrated, and quietly loved. HMT Heritage Retreat exists because every generation before us believed this ground was worth preserving.
Today, HMT Heritage Retreat occupies 6.46 thoughtfully developed acres within a larger 36-acre family property that has been stewarded across eight generations. While the retreat offers guests a peaceful place to reconnect with nature and one another, the surrounding landscape reflects a much larger story of perseverance, stewardship, family, and legacy.
We are the caretakers today. Tomorrow, someone else will be. This is legacy.
Two centuries, still standing.
The name HMT Heritage honors the Hornsby, Martin, and Terry family names. Across more than two centuries, this land has been shaped by their enduring legacy of faith, perseverance, stewardship, education, and service. Those values continue to guide everything HMT Heritage strives to become.
The story that follows is more than the history of a place—it is the story of the people whose choices, sacrifices, generosity, and unwavering commitment to one another made this place possible.
- Mid-1800s
James Terry Acquires Family Land
During the mid-19th century, James Terry acquired two parcels of land in what is now the Terry community of West Carroll Parish, Louisiana—laying the foundation for a family legacy that continues more than a century later.
- Late 1800s
An Unusual Inheritance
When James Terry divided his land among his four Black sons, he set in motion a legacy of family stewardship that continues today. George Terry inherited one of those parcels, and that inheritance became part of the land that now includes HMT Heritage Retreat. Through each generation that followed, the land was cared for, preserved, and passed forward—a legacy of stewardship that continues today.
George & Lizzie Terry
Second Generation Stewards
“The land tells its story through every generation that cared for it.”
- Early 1900s
A Legacy Chosen
George Terry's daughter, Paralee Terry, inherited more than family land—she inherited a responsibility to care for it. At a time when much of the family's original property gradually changed hands, Paralee chose to preserve the land entrusted to her. That decision ensured that a portion of the family's heritage would remain intact, allowing the legacy of stewardship to continue through future generations.
Wesley & Paralee Hornsby
Stewards of a Living Legacy
“Every generation chooses what will be carried forward.”
- Mid-1900s
A Legacy Lived
Inspired by the same sense of responsibility that guided her mother, Paralee Terry Hornsby, Helen Hornsby Martin carried her family's legacy into a new generation. Together, Helen and her husband, J.T. Martin Sr., demonstrated that stewardship meant more than preserving land—it meant investing in family, education, faith, leadership, and community. They faithfully cared for the land entrusted to them while living lives defined by service, integrity, and a commitment to creating opportunities for those who would follow. Their example ensured that the family's legacy would continue to grow, not only through the land itself, but through the values passed from one generation to the next.
J.T. & Helen Martin
Stewards of Family, Faith & Legacy
“The greatest inheritance is not what we leave behind, but the values we choose to pass forward.”
- 2026
A Legacy Entrusted
The legacy of Helen and J.T. Martin lives on through their children and grandchildren, each carrying forward the family's values in their own unique way. Inspired by that shared legacy, the extraordinary generosity of Red and Mona Martin entrusted a portion of the family's heritage to the next generation, making HMT Heritage possible. Their gift reflects the same enduring spirit of stewardship, faith, family, and hope that has guided this land for generations, ensuring that its story will continue to inspire those who come after us.
Red & Mona Martin
A Gift That Carries the Legacy Forward
“Some of the greatest legacies are not inherited—they are entrusted.”
- Today
Built for Generations
HMT Heritage Retreat opens its doors as a boutique rural destination — rooted in heritage, made for connection, and built to be passed down.
Reading that helps us tell this story.
Vaulting Over Destiny
Col. Jeremy M. Martin
A story of favor, faith, and determination — written in honor of J.T. and Helen Martin, whose lives continue to inspire the vision behind this land.
Find on Amazon →
Shells on a Chifferobe
Jeremy Martin
A second volume honoring the Martin family journey — the quiet perseverance of a family that held onto its ground across generations.
Find on Amazon →
Lusi Martin-Braswell
Founder · HMT Heritage
The Story Continues
As the granddaughter of Helen Hornsby Martin and J.T. "Bay" Martin Sr., Lusi Martin-Braswell founded HMT Heritage as one way of honoring eight generations of family history and helping steward the family's land for generations to come.
Although her career has taken her across the country in service to public health and organizational leadership, the values that shaped her began here—in West Carroll Parish, where family, faith, education, stewardship, and service have long been passed from one generation to the next.
Inspired by the generations who came before her, Lusi envisioned HMT Heritage as more than a destination. It is a place where guests can reconnect with nature, celebrate meaningful moments, experience the beauty of rural Louisiana, and discover a story of resilience, faith, and stewardship that continues today.
Today, HMT Heritage Retreat occupies 6.46 thoughtfully developed acres within a larger 36-acre family property that has remained in the family across eight generations. Through every stay, every gathering, and every Martin Legacy Scholarship awarded, HMT Heritage seeks to honor those who came before while helping create opportunities for generations still to come.
This is one chapter in a much larger family story—and the story continues.
"Thank you for allowing our family's story to become a small part of yours."
With gratitude,
Lusi Martin-Braswell
Founder · HMT Heritage
Every story continues here — come write yours with us.