Diversity of American Colonial Architecture
A cursory internet search for "log houses colonial America" or "log houses early American" yields a plethora of websites, largely dominated by retail construction and real estate. However, amidst this array of architectural styles, one notable absence stands out—the double pen dogtrot house, a distinctive feature detailed in our book "House of the Messenger." Often overlooked in discussions of colonial or early American architecture, this style of housing played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of the American South and the new frontier settlements.
While colonial or early American architecture is commonly associated with the northeastern United States, the expansion of America southward and westward gave rise to unique architectural forms suited to the warmer climates and individualistic construction needs of these regions. The double pen dogtrot house, with its characteristic breezeway separating two living spaces, emerged as a prominent feature of southern culture, offering protection from the elements and hostilities while accommodating the lifestyle of warmer climates.
American colonial architecture encompasses a rich tapestry of building design styles spanning from the late-medieval period through the 19th century. Reflecting the diverse cultural influences and regional traditions of the time, these architectural styles include First Period English, Spanish Colonial, French Colonial, Dutch Colonial, and Georgian, among others. Each style is associated with distinct building types, including houses, churches, and government buildings, reflecting the unique histories and settlement patterns of different regions.
In New England, colonial houses constructed primarily from wood followed styles found in southeastern England, with saltbox and Cape Cod style homes among the most common. Dutch Colonial structures in the Hudson River Valley and surrounding areas reflected architectural influences from Holland and Flanders, while Southern Colonial architecture in Maryland, Virginia, and the Carolinas featured hall and parlor and central-passage house types. The Delaware Valley introduced the log cabin to America, while Pennsylvania colonial and Pennsylvania Dutch styles emerged in regions settled by German immigrants in the 18th century.
Outside of New England, early buildings in regions controlled by colonial powers such as France and Spain reflect distinct architectural traditions. French colonial architecture in Louisiana and Spanish colonial architecture in states like Florida, Texas, and California evoke Renaissance and Baroque styles, reflecting the cultural heritage of their respective colonizers.
In exploring the rich diversity of American colonial architecture, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complex tapestry of influences and traditions that have shaped the built environment of the United States. Each architectural style tells a unique story of migration, adaptation, and cultural exchange, reflecting the dynamic interplay of history and geography across the American landscape.
The House of the Messenger, includes a specific history of the "dogtrot" styled houses and the different influences of this frontier house as predicated by the skills of the craftsman and the natural surroundings.
Some references:
- Colonial House Styles and Examples, OldHouses.com website (Copley Internet Systems, Inc.), accessed October 24, 2009, http://www.oldhouses.com/styleguide/colonial-houses.htm
- Saltbox Houses in the Historic American Buildings Survey - Guides, Reference Aids, and Finding Aids (Prints and Photographs ReadingRoom, Library of Congress)". www.loc.gov. Retrieved 2017-12-05. https://www.loc.gov/rr/print/list/175_sal1.html
- Cape Cod Houses Recorded by the Historic American Buildings Survey (Prints and Photographs Reading Room, Library of Congress)". www.loc.gov. Retrieved 2017-12-05. https://www.loc.gov/rr/print/list/170_cape.html
- Colonial architecture in North America, Encyclopædia Britannica Online, accessed October 23, 2009 http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/32952/Western-architecture/47369/Colonial-architecture-in-North-America
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