While vacationing in Charleston, the word “antebellum” was used frequently. Of course I have heard the word many times, typically in reference to the South, but never really thought about what it meant. If asked, I likely would have said “after the war”. And I would have been dead wrong! Technically its Latin for “before the war”, and it is typically understood to mean that time period in U.S. history between the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. The antebellum period was a time of significant growth in the United States, with industrialization in the North and the continued wealth of the Southern economy which was heavily reliant on agriculture and slavery.
Many times the term “antebellum architecture” is used to describe Southern homes, but that is descriptive of the time period, not the exact type of architecture. Popular antebellum architectural styles were Greek Revival, Neoclassical and Federal, or elements borrowed from one or more of those types. One example of the style is shown above, a stunning home on the Battery in Charleston. The features on this home that are frequently found in antebellum architecture include the large Greek columns, hipped roof, symmetrical facade with evenly spaced windows, balcony, covered porch and central entryway.
While I may not have understood the word antebellum, I certainly understood one thing…no matter when these homes were built, or what style they are, they are second to none in their grandeur and elegance! Stay tuned for my next post about Boone Hall Plantation, which also features a Southern antebellum home.
My name is Deb Cohen, and I am a lifelong resident of Connecticut, a lover of all things historic and New England, and a realtor who helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals and dreams. When I’m not working, I enjoy life with my husband, our two adult children, and our two rescue pups. Renovating and decorating our historic home, dating to 1800, is another favorite pastime.
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