Definition: Antebellum means "before war" in Latin. The term Antebellum architecture refers to elegant plantation homes built in the American South in the 30 years or so preceding the Civil War.
Antebellum is not a particular house style. Rather, it is a time and place in history. The features we associate with Antebellum architecture were introduced to the American South by Anglo-Americans who moved into the area after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.
Most Antebellum homes are in the Greek Revival, Classical Revival, or Federal style: grand, symmetrical, and boxy, with center entrances in the front and rear, balconies, and columns or pillars.
Antebellum houses have many of these features:
- Hipped or gabled roof
- Symmetrical façade
- Evenly-spaced windows
- Greek pillars and columns
- Elaborate friezes
- Balconies
- Covered porch
- Central entryway
- Grand staircase
- Formal ballroom
Examples:
The term Antebellum stirs thoughts of Tara, the palatial plantation home featured in Gone with the Wind. From grand, pillared
Greek Revival mansions to stately
Federal style estates, America's antebellum architecture reflects the power and idealism of wealthy landowners in the American South, prior to the Civil War.
For resources to learn more about Antebellum architecture, scroll down the page.
