I can't see anything earlier than 1868 for it. Btw, the words are posted here in the DT: LOWLANDS (minstrel show) (from the American College Songster).


The ballad index points out the refrain similarity to this songs:The Louisiana Lowlands of 1859, also referred to in Mudcat: 'Lowlands Away' - origins. (post by Charlie Noble)

Mick