Antebellum architecture

Antebellum architecture refers to the style of buildings constructed in the American South before the Civil War, roughly from the early 1800s to 1861. It is characterized by grand, symmetrical designs often featuring large columns, expansive porches, and elegant details. These structures reflected the wealth and social status of plantation owners, blending classical European influences with regional materials. The style aims to evoke a sense of grandeur, stability, and tradition, and many historic plantation homes and public buildings from this period exemplify antebellum architecture.