Antebellum architecture (from Antebellum South , Latin for "pre-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 homes and mansions . These plantation houses were built in the southern American states during roughly the 30 years before the American Civil War; approximately between the 1830s to 1860s.
39-473: Dunleith is an antebellum mansion at 84 Homochitto Street in Natchez, Mississippi . Built about 1855, it is Mississippi's only surviving example of a plantation house with a fully encircling colonnade of Greek Revival columns, a form once seen much more frequently than today. Now an inn and conference center, it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1974. Currently the original horse stable serves as
78-559: A fine dining establishment with a traditional English pub in the lower levels of the structure The 12 room main house sits on 40 acres (16 ha) along with several outbuildings including a carriage house, a dairy barn, a poultry house, and a three-story brick courtyard building that historically would have housed the kitchen, laundry and slave quarters. The main house has a Greek revival design and includes 26 Tuscan columns built of brick and stucco that completely encircle it. There are porches with distinctive wrought iron railings around
117-525: A historic inn since 1976 up until February 1, 2019 when was auctioned on the Adams County, Mississippi, courthouse steps due to bankruptcy. United Mississippi Bank which held the loan on the property took possession of it as there were no bids for the 4.7 million opening bid. It was used as a hotel, restaurant and event venue. The historic inn has 22 guest rooms divided amongst the main house, courtyard and dairy barn buildings. Multiple venue spaces accommodate
156-457: A museum that exhibits artifacts and gardens that showcase its history. Tours are available today that focus on the history of the building, gardens, and artifacts. The mansion was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1973. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck Louisiana and Mississippi. Its effects damaged or destroyed many antebellum buildings throughout the South. This destruction once again raised
195-578: A role in reinforcing the social structures of the time. The relationship between antebellum architecture and the social hierarchy of the 19th dentury continues to be studied, as modern views of these buildings address both their architectural beauty and their historical associations with slavery. Georgia's Old Governor's Mansion is one of the finest examples of the High Greek Revival architecture of this period. The mansion, located in Milledgeville ,
234-528: A variety of purposes, including weddings, conferences, tour groups and reunions. The Castle Restaurant & Pub located in the former carriage house - constructed circa 1790 - served breakfast, lunch and dinner. Among its notable occupants was John Roy Lynch , born a slave at Tacony Plantation in Louisiana and self-educated, who would go on to become the first African-American Speaker of the House of Representatives in
273-461: Is a Neoclassical style plantation house with distinctive elements like columns and a large portico. The architecture reflects Jackson's personal style and political power during the Antebellum period. First (Scots) Presbyterian Church (Charleston, South Carolina) This church is an example of Greek Revival architecture, marked by its large columns and classical proportions. The design reflects
312-495: Is a notable example of the architectural relationship between plantation estates and agricultural practices. The Rosedown Plantation (St. Francisville, Louisiana) An example of Greek Revival residential architecture, Rosedown features large columns and symmetrical facades. The design is intended to reflect the wealth and status of the owners, which was largely tied to plantation economy. The Hermitage (Nashville, Tennessee) Home to President Andrew Jackson, The Hermitage
351-551: Is illustrated with highly decorated entrances featuring colonnades , including a lunette over the door. Virginia State Capitol (Richmond, Virginia) Designed by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, this building shows the Neoclassical style. Its grand columns and symmetry are all examples of the Classical style, which was widely used in government buildings. North Carolina State Capitol (Raleigh, North Carolina) Built in
390-547: Is important in understanding its historical and architectural context. Oak Alley Plantation (Vacherie, Louisiana) Oak Alley is a Greek Revival mansion, recognized for its long avenue of oak trees leading up to the house. The building’s classical features, including columns and symmetry, reflect the style's influence in the Antebellum South. Fruitland (Augusta, Georgia) Designed by James Monroe and incorporating both Greek Revival and Palladian elements, Fruitland
429-565: The Greek Revival style, this building features a central dome and classical columns. The design falls largely under the classical indications of Antebellum Architecture with grand colums on the facade among other items. Monticello (Charlottesville, Virginia) The home of Thomas Jefferson, Monticello blends Neoclassical and Palladian styles, with its iconic dome and symmetrical design reflecting Jefferson's architectural vision. The plantation relied on enslaved labor for its operation, which
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#1732876776141468-506: The Parthenon Frieze being the most famous, and perhaps the most elaborate. In interiors, the frieze of a room is the section of wall above the picture rail and under the crown moldings or cornice. By extension, a frieze is a long stretch of painted , sculpted or even calligraphic decoration in such a position, normally above eye-level. Frieze decorations may depict scenes in a sequence of discrete panels. The material of which
507-515: 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
546-496: The frieze / f r iː z / is the wide central section of an entablature and may be plain in the Ionic or Doric order , or decorated with bas-reliefs . Paterae are also usually used to decorate friezes. Even when neither columns nor pilasters are expressed, on an astylar wall it lies upon the architrave ("main beam") and is capped by the moldings of the cornice . A frieze can be found on many Greek and Roman buildings,
585-491: The Antebellum period, reflecting classical traditions. The Exchange and Provost Dungeon (Charleston, South Carolina) This building, part of Charleston’s commercial and military history, features both Georgian and Neoclassical design elements. It is a key example of Charleston's role as a major port city, involved in trade and slavery during the Antebellum era. The features associated with antebellum architecture were introduced by people of European descent who settled in
624-445: The Antebellum period, this Art Deco building reflects the continuing influence of classical design elements in the state’s architecture, including the use of grand columns and verticality somewhat falling under the umbrella of Antebellum Architecture. Charleston City Hall (Charleston, South Carolina) Built in the Neoclassical style, this building features symmetry and formal design, which were common in government buildings during
663-619: The Greek Revival style, symbolized the control and dominance of the plantation economy. In contrast, enslaved laborers, who worked on these plantations, viewed these structures differently. They largely saw them as representations of oppression and subjugation. Driskell and Trawalter (2021) explored how perception of Antebellum Architecture varied by race, with white Southerners viewing the buildings as symbols of identity and status, while Black individuals and enslaved people saw them largely as symbols of opression. These differing perspectives held
702-832: The Mississippi State Legislature and one of the first African-American U.S. Congressmen. He studied law, authored several articles and books, and would serve in several appointed political and military positions during a long career. After his death in Chicago 1939 at the age of 92, Lynch was buried with military honors in Arlington National Cemetery, due to his service as a Congressman and military officer. Antebellum architecture While Antebellum style homes have their roots in Neoclassical architectural styles, several adaptations to were made to compensate for
741-467: The Oconee region, is one example of this, with distinct adaptations to the local conditions. Aspects of the local architecture that diverge from the standard style include the materials used and other modifications reflecting the local climate. The iconic plantation homes of the antebellum style were largely faithful to the original design but incorporated locally sourced brick, which acted as an insulator against
780-722: The bill funding the reconstruction was at first even voted down. Many prime example of antebellum architecture did not receive the same support as Grass Lawn. In the wake of Katrina, cleanups of cities often did not follow the guidelines of the National Historic Preservation Act . Hundreds of properties were destroyed with little hope of being reconstructed or commemorated. There are movements however, to preserve these historic properties. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) for example helps to preserve important architectural properties, especially those affected by Katrina. Frieze In classical architecture ,
819-477: The entire building on the first and second floor. The first floor includes windows similar to those in Monticello which would roll up to become doorways. The previous building on this plantation, called Routhland , had been built by Job Routh in the 1790s and passed down to his daughter Mary Routh. When it was struck by lightning and burned down in 1855, her husband, General Charles G. Dahlgren rebuilt, creating
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#1732876776141858-616: The first half of the 19th century. A prime example of the influence of immigrants in antebellum architecture is Stanton Hall . The Hall was built by Frederick Stanton, an immigrant from Ireland who made his fortune in trading cotton. The design was based on the Revival style. The Hall also goes to show the increasingly connected national and global economy in which antebellum architecture emerged. The house used mantel pieces from New York, gas-burning chandeliers from Philadelphia, and mirrors from France. Similar to many antebellum homes, Stanton Hall
897-563: The frieze is made of may be plasterwork , carved wood or other decorative medium. More loosely, "frieze" is sometimes used for any continuous horizontal strip of decoration on a wall, containing figurative or ornamental motifs. In an example of an architectural frieze on the façade of a building, the octagonal Tower of the Winds in the Roman agora at Athens bears relief sculptures of the eight winds on its frieze. A pulvinated frieze (or pulvino )
936-522: The front and rear of the house. A hipped or gabled roof are characteristics of antebellum architecture and often feature a cupola . (A cupola is a dome-like structure on top of a building that provides ventilation and serves as decoration. ) These mansions were also often surrounded by grand gardens with geometrically cut bushes that complemented the symmetry of the houses. Antebellum architectural structures often have multiple stories or levels. The interior of these mansions were just as extravagant as
975-418: The hot subtropical climate of the southern United States. The main exterior characteristics of antebellum architecture included huge pillars, a balcony that ran along the whole outside edge of the house creating a porch that offers shade and spot to enjoy a breeze, and a sitting area in the cooler evenings. The evenly spaced large windows ventilated the warm air outside. Most homes had big centered entrances at
1014-431: The hotter summer climate. The regional variations also differ due to local economic conditions, with the economy being primarily based on cotton cultivation and farming. The buildings were constructed as demonstrations of wealth and power, with these key aspects serving as central design elements. The buildings showcased the material success of local plantations, which were the primary examples of antebellum architecture in
1053-501: The house more in line with contemporary styles, adding Doric columns and making it more Classical and Revivalist in appearance. Like other homes of its time, the Hermitage was built in a symmetrical design with equal amounts of corridors and rooms. Not just reflecting the cultural differences between the West and East in this time, the Hermitage also was part of the South's economy. The Hermitage
1092-503: The influence of classical architecture in religious buildings during the Antebellum period. St. Philip's Church (Charleston, South Carolina) St. Philip's Church blends Georgian and Greek Revival styles, with its notable bell tower and use of other classical elements. The church is an example of how religious architecture during the Antebellum period often incorporated these popular architectural styles. The Louisiana State Capitol (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) Though constructed after
1131-568: The outside. Common features included enormous foyers, sweeping open stairways, ballrooms, grand dining rooms, and detailed 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. Designs additionally include friezes , large pier glasses , and marble mantels. Greek revival components apparent in antebellum architecture include doorways, often recessed and flanked by pilastered and entablatured columns. Similarly, Georgian architecture
1170-459: The present structure. It was sold for $ 30,000 in 1858 (equal to $ 1,056,462 today) to Alfred Vidal Davis who renamed it Dunleith. The 1957 film, Raintree County was partly filmed at Dunleith, as was a portion of the 1974 version of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn by Columbia Pictures , and an episode of Promised Land for CBS television in 1998. Dunleith has been a historic house museum offering tours for hotel and restaurant guests as well as
1209-643: The public to America's history with slavery. Antebellum Architecture in the Southern United States is largely associated with various buildings largely made up of the Greek Revival Style that fills much of the South. Regional variations can be found such as in Middle Georgia which reveal how variables such as local resources, climate, and numerous other factors can influence the architectual style. The architecture of Middle Georgia, particularly in
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1248-493: The question of whether or not these buildings, as symbols of a wealthy society propped up by slavery, should be preserved. For example, Grass Lawn , an antebellum mansion in Gulfport, Mississippi , was totally destroyed by the hurricane. As the community began to raise funds to rebuild the mansion, it faced resistance from parts of the community who opposed the symbolism of the mansion. Though it eventually passed through city council,
1287-465: The region. An estimated 20% of antebellum mansions remain intact in the south today due to many being burned during the Civil War, natural disasters, and their neglect. Many antebellum homes are now museums; Georgia's Old Governor's Mansion is an example of this. The mansion belongs to Georgia College , and is its most treasured structure. In 2001, the structure began its restoration, and now serves as
1326-467: The story of the slaves who worked the land. Boone Hall is a prime example of modern antebellum museums. The museum uses nine of the original slave cabins built between 1790 and 1810 as part of its "Black History in America" exhibit. In the exhibit, each cabin presents different aspects of slave life on the plantation. While the style's history remains controversial, exhibits like these are important in exposing
1365-500: Was an active plantation which grew the period's dominant cash crop, cotton. Antibellum Architecture holds numerous close ties with social and racial structures that existed throughout the Southern United States in the 19th century. Plantations and other grand Antebellum Architecture constructions stood as displays of wealth and power for white Southerners, reflecting the success of the plantation economies, which relied on enslaved labour. The design and placement of these buildings, often in
1404-630: Was built using a fortune Stanton made trading cotton. During the Civil War, like many other plantation houses, the Hall was occupied by Union soldiers. President Andrew Jackson 's home, The Hermitage , is another prime example of both antebellum architecture and the social conditions in which it arose. It was built in the Federal Style which, while losing favor in the more trendy East, was still popular in Western slave states like Tennessee. Later, renovations made
1443-455: Was designed by Charles Cluskey , an Irish immigrant who emigrated to New York City in 1827 where he trained to be an architect under the firm Town and Davis , and was built by Timothy Porter in 1839. Like other antebellum homes, this mansion has Ionic columns, a covered porch, and symmetrically placed windows. For over thirty years, this mansion housed many Georgian chief executives such as George Crawford , Howell Cobb and Joseph E. Brown . It
1482-483: Was owned by the descendants of Stanton for several decades after the Civil War, but eventually the financial burden was too much and it became the Stanton College for Young Ladies. Today most antebellum buildings serve as museums. These museums, especially the museums located at former plantations, often attempt to show both sides of the architectural style. While celebrating the beauty of the buildings, they also tell
1521-484: Was used as a stage for their speeches, and a place to introduce important guests. This mansion also played a part in the Civil War; General William T. Sherman headquartered in the building in 1864 and it was claimed as a prize in the " March to the Sea ." After the war, the mansion was abandoned when Georgia's government was moved to Atlanta. After the Civil War, the upkeep of these homes was strained. Stanton Hall, for example,
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