Antebellum architecture (meaning "prewar", from the Latin ante, "before", and bellum, "war") is the neoclassical architectural style characteristic of the 19th-century Southern United States, especially the Deep South, from after the birth of the United States with the American Revolution, to the start of the American Civil War. Antebellum architecture is especially characterized by Georgian, Neo-classical, and Greek Revival style plantation homes and mansions.
Video Antebellum architecture
Key features
Exterior: The main characteristics of Antebellum architecture viewed from the outside of the house often included huge pillars, a balcony that ran along the whole outside edge of the house to offer shade and a sitting area, evenly spaced large windows, and big center entrances at the front and rear of the house to add to the box like style of the mansion. These mansions also often included grand gardens with geometrically cut bushes to compliment the symmetry of the house.
Interior: The interior of these mansions were just as extravagant as the outside. Common features included enormous foyers, sweeping open stairways, ballrooms, grand dining rooms, and intricate design work. The design work included intricate shapes and patterns made from plaster used to adorn walls and furniture. It was also used to create wood and floor designs.
Maps Antebellum architecture
Examples
Many plantation houses still standing are of this style, including:
- Barrington Hall in Roswell, Georgia
- Bulloch Hall in Roswell, Georgia
- Goodman-LeGrand House in Tyler, Texas
- Monmouth Plantation, in Natchez, Mississippi
- Myrtles Plantation, in St. Francisville, Louisiana
- Boone Hall, near Charleston, South Carolina; built in 1936, but in the antebellum style.
- The Hermitage, near Nashville, Tennessee
- Longwood in Natchez, Mississippi
- Millford Plantation in Pinewood, South Carolina
- Nottoway Plantation in White Castle, Louisiana
- Belle Grove Plantation in Iberville Parish, Louisiana, the largest plantation house ever built in the South.
- Orton Plantation in Brunswick County, North Carolina
- Rosedown Plantation in St. Francisville, Louisiana
- Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie, Louisiana
- Belle Meade Plantation in Belle Meade, Tennessee
- Waverley in West Point, Mississippi
- Hunter-Dawson Home in New Madrid, Missouri
- Carnton Plantation in Franklin, Tennessee
- Rippavilla Plantation in Spring Hill, Tennessee
- Glen Mary Plantation in Sparta, Georgia
- Ward Hall in Georgetown, Kentucky
- Evergreen Plantation in Wallace, Louisiana
History
The features associated with antebellum architecture were introduced by people of British descent who settled in the Southern states during the colonial period and in U.S. territories after the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 along with a wave of immigration from Europe in 1812. Great numbers of Europeans seeking economic opportunities emigrated to America after Napoleon's defeat and the end of the war of 1812. This new wave of entrepreneurs began to dominate not only the economy, but also the architecture of the first half of the 19th century.
In modern society
The debate over whether or not to preserve Antebellum Homes is an ongoing one. Some argue that because these lavish homes were built from fortunes created through slavery, oppression, and cruelty it is not ethical to preserve them because they serve as a reminder of American slavery. Others argue that because these homes have historical significance they should be maintained. Movies like Gone with the Wind and 12 Years a Slave are examples of Antebellum homes portrayed in pop culture and many Antebellum homes today even serve as tourist attractions.
See also
- Pre-war architecture
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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