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But most people can’t overlook the dark history behind these homes since the plantations stood for brutal oppression and the development of slavery in the US. Don’t be misled by the name into thinking that this is somewhat of a modest structure! It has beautiful Federal-style architecture with two-story columns supporting a large portico. The Romanticism movement of the time emphasised individualism and a connection to nature, and these values are mirrored in the period’s architecture. Antebellum architecture is rich in visual elements, from the wide verandas and airy gardens of plantation houses to the exquisite carvings and mouldings of city palaces.
Classical Grandeur With a Southern Flair
All feature historic pieces from the Museum's collections including a selection of American, English and French furniture dating to the early 19th century. Outside, a classical Gate Temple overlooks a period garden, and the locations of adjacent historical outbuildings (e.g., kitchen and slave quarters, stable, and privy) are marked with interpretive signs. One of Charleston's most exquisite antebellum structures, the Joseph Manigault House, built in 1803, reflects the urban lifestyle of a wealthy, rice-planting family and the enslaved African Americans who lived there. In some, you can even find geometrical, elliptical, fan-shaped, or circular motifs as the main decorative design of these homes. But Federal-style architecture didn’t just become popular for residential homes; they were also adopted for office buildings and government residences.
Grand Antebellum Homes Rich in History and Stunning Southern Design
Rather, it is a reference to a period in American history that triggered high emotions. The massive Corinthian, Ionic or Doric columns are designed to grab attention and lead the eye upward, creating the impression of expansiveness and opulence. By recalling the dignity of the ancient Greek temples, they lend the mansions a sense of import. Henry Parker is a home improvement enthusiast who loves to share his passion and expertise with others.
What Happened to Antebellum-Style Homes?
He writes on a variety of topics, such as painting, flooring, windows, and lawn care, to help homeowners make informed decisions and achieve their desired results. Henry strives to write high quality guides and reviews that are easy to understand and practical to follow. Whether you are looking for the best electric riding lawn mower, the easiest way to remove paint from flooring, or the signs of a bad tile job, Henry has you covered with his insightful and honest articles.
What Is Southern Architecture?
Slavery and plantations had different characteristics in different regions of the South. As the Upper South of the Chesapeake Bay colonies developed first, historians of the antebellum South defined planters as those who held 20 enslaved people. Major planters held many more, especially in the Deep South as it developed.[1] The majority of slaveholders held 10 or fewer enslaved people, often to labor domestically. By the late 18th century, most planters in the Upper South had switched from exclusive tobacco cultivation to mixed-crop production, both because tobacco had exhausted the soil and because of changing markets.
In the comments of her post, Dempster shared that she plans to preserve the historic details of the home. “There’s truly nothing quite as fulfilling as meticulously restoring an architecturally significant home to its original grandeur while elevating every exquisite detail to new heights,” she wrote. As soon as your guests pass through the stylized copper gates and ascend the scissor-style stairs to the main entrance of the house, they will know that they are in for a memorable event! Contact us today for more information about hosting your next event at the Sowden House. The intriguing nature of the house allows for the house to not only hold unbelievable events, but also helps them support the causes they care about.
These elements were frequently influenced by classical architecture and were intended to portray a feeling of history and tradition. Slavery is an aspect we cannot forget even as we consider the antebellum home’s architectural and decorative styles. They yearned to learn and risked (and lost) their lives to learn to read and write.
Exploring Ocean Springs' Oldfields home - Clarion Ledger
Exploring Ocean Springs' Oldfields home.
Posted: Mon, 27 Nov 2017 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Located in Biloxi, Mississippi, this mansion is a classic example of Greek Revival architecture, with huge brick columns and vast verandas on each floor. The Boone family were the original settlers of the Southern colony, with their residence representing the typical Antebellum architecture. Today, the plantation is a tourist attraction that references the enslavement during the Civil War.
Destrehan Plantation & Spuddy's Cajun Cooking Combo Tour
The house has a classic Greek Revival style with a jutting front gable supported by large columns. Selina Gray was a second-generation enslaved person from the Arlington House. Historians credit her for keeping many of the family heirlooms safe during the Civil War and credit her children for helping restore the home by providing details about the house and furnishings. The home features a classic Greek Revival style with a low roofline, symmetric facade, and large supporting frontal columns.
Justin van Huyssteen is a freelance writer, novelist, and academic originally from Cape Town, South Africa. At present, he has a bachelor’s degree in English and literary theory and an honor’s degree in literary theory. He is currently working towards his master’s degree in literary theory with a focus on animal studies, critical theory, and semiotics within literature.
The owners entrusted Sarah Winner with the house in the early 200os, and she spent two years restoring the home. Out of 45,000 antebellum plantation homes that existed in the South before the Civil War, less than 6,000 remain. Yet, of the remaining few, many feature distinct architectural details, making them symbolic of the era. Many new immigrants in the American South capitalized on the Industrial Age and made enough money to acquire higher status. The new class wanted to show off their wealth through powerful displays such as grand homes.
Built in the 19th century, these controversial grand homes were intricately designed with their deep roots in slavery. The word Antebellum comes from Latin and translates into before the war, which in this case references the American Civil War between the South and the North from 1861 to 1865. Although the original Antebellum architectural style’s time has passed, if you’re a fan, you can still adapt the style to a modern home.
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