what is a shotgun house in new orleans

Full Answer

Why does New Orleans have so many shotgun houses?

The linear layout of New Orleans shotgun homes helped residents to withstand the city's brutal summers. Arranging all the doors in a single line through the house helped with cooling the home. Shotguns also have high ceilings — as much as 12 feet on occasion — to allow hot air to rise.

Where is the bathroom in a shotgun house?

The original shotgun homes of the 1800s didn't have bathrooms, so many historic shotgun homes have bathroom additions in the back of the house. O'Connor says these houses take advantage of narrow lots and were usually placed close to the street.

What are the characteristics of a shotgun house?

Shotgun houses are small, single-story houses that are only one room wide (typically no more than 12 feet across) and two to four rooms deep without any hallway, which means you have to walk through each room to get to the next.

What is a shotgun ranch house?

A shotgun house is a narrow rectangular domestic residence, usually no more than about 12 feet (3.5 m) wide, with rooms arranged one behind the other and doors at each end of the house.

Why do shotgun houses exist?

Shotgun houses were constructed with efficiency and affordability in mind. Developers built them with the goal of fitting as many houses as possible on smaller plots of land. Shotgun houses are usually one room, or about 12 feet wide, and three or four rooms deep.

What are duplexes called in New Orleans?

double shotgunAnother is the double shotgun, a duplex with two one-room-wide living units that share a wall down the middle and with four openings across the front. And if you run across a shotgun house that's one story tall in front but two stories tall in back, you've found a camelback.

Why do shotgun houses have two doors?

A shotgun house is narrow, with no hallways, and the rooms are arranged one behind the next. Doors at the front and back allow the breeze to blow through, and architectural historians trace the design's roots to Haiti and Africa.

Why do shotgun houses have two front doors?

One Door Was Formal, the Other Was Not While one door may have led to a formal area, the other could have been used for day-to-day business. This thinking applied to other visitors as well—homeowners likely wanted to greet guests at a formal entrance.

Why are New Orleans houses so narrow?

The Origins The shotgun house design thrived in New Orleans following two disastrous fires in the late eighteenth century. Building codes required wooden houses to be narrow so that there was room between the houses built on small lots.

What style homes are in New Orleans?

The Creole style, while often thought of as a “French Colonial” style, in fact is an architectural style developed in New Orleans. It represents a melding of the French, Spanish and Caribbean architectural influences in conjunction with the demands of the hot, humid climate of New Orleans.

What are the tall skinny houses called?

pop-upThey're ultra-slim and towering tall, and their neighbors give these controversial homes, wedged into narrow alleyways between otherwise “normal” houses, names like “monster” and “middle finger.” More commonly, they're known as “pop-up” or “skinny” homes, and they've become an urban infill staple for builders and ...

Are shotgun houses cheaper to build?

Because shotgun houses were inexpensive to build and could be packed tightly on narrow plots of land, they became the most common type of dwelling in working-class African American communities in many cities in the South.

What is a dogtrot on a house?

Dogtrot homes are characterized by the large, open breezeway that runs through the middle of the house, with two separate living areas on either side, all under one roof.

Why are New Orleans houses so narrow?

The Origins The shotgun house design thrived in New Orleans following two disastrous fires in the late eighteenth century. Building codes required wooden houses to be narrow so that there was room between the houses built on small lots.

How many square feet is a shotgun house?

At about 12 feet wide and 400 square feet, shotgun houses offer the desired small living space as a tiny home. Keep in mind, shotgun houses can't necessarily be classified as tiny homes, since there's room to go over the maximum square feet.

What are the tall skinny houses called?

pop-upThey're ultra-slim and towering tall, and their neighbors give these controversial homes, wedged into narrow alleyways between otherwise “normal” houses, names like “monster” and “middle finger.” More commonly, they're known as “pop-up” or “skinny” homes, and they've become an urban infill staple for builders and ...

Where is the shotgun house in New Orleans?

A modest shotgun house in New Orleans 's Bayou St. John neighborhood shortly after Hurricane Katrina. Shotgun houses consist of three to five rooms in a row with no hallways and have a narrow, rectangular structure.

What is a shotgun house?

Typically, shotgun houses have a wood-frame structure and wood siding, although some examples exist in brick and even stone. Many shotguns, especially older or less expensive ones, have flat roofs that end at the front wall of the house. In houses built after 1880, the roof usually overhangs the front wall, and there is usually a gable above the overhang. The overhang is usually supported by decorative wooden brackets, and sometimes contains cast iron ventilators.

Why were shotguns built close together?

In cities, shotguns were built close together for a variety of reasons. The origins of both the term and the architectural form and development of the shotgun house are controversial, even more so in the wake of conflicting preservation and redevelopment efforts since Hurricane Katrina.

What are the characteristics of a shotgun house?

Characteristics. Floor plan of a typical single shotgun with bathroom. The rooms of a shotgun house are lined up one behind the other, typically a living room is first, then one or two bedrooms, and finally a kitchen in back.

Why were shotgun houses so popular?

Shotgun houses were most popular before widespread ownership of the automobile allowed people to live farther from businesses and other destinations. Building lots were small, 30 feet (9 m) wide at most. An influx of people to cities, both from rural areas in America and from foreign countries, all looking to fill emerging manufacturing jobs, created the high demand for housing in cities. Shotgun houses were built to fulfill the same need as rowhouses in Northeastern cities. Several were often built at a time by a single builder, contributing to their similar appearance.

Why were shotgun houses used in the South?

Such houses were built throughout hot urban areas in the South, since the style's length and outside doors at each end allowed for excellent airflow, while its narrow frontage increased the number of lots that could be fitted along a street. It was used so frequently that some southern cities estimate that, even today, 10% or more of their housing stock is composed of shotgun houses.

How wide is a shotgun house?

A shotgun house is a narrow rectangular domestic residence, usually no more than about 12 feet (3.5 m) wide, with rooms arranged one behind the other and doors at each end of the house. It was the most popular style of house in the Southern United States from the end of the American Civil War (1861–1865) through the 1920s.

What is a shotgun home?

Shotgun homes are characteristically long, narrow dwellings that are a single room wide and a few rooms deep. Popular folklore says that the homes’ design allows a shotgun to fire a bullet through the open front door, straight through each room and out the back door unscathed.

What is the history of the shotgun house?

To appreciate the history of the shotgun house, you need a basic understanding (or at least, a super condensed version) of the history of New Orleans. Indigenous peoples inhabited the land that would become New Orleans when, in the early 1700s, French colonists arrived. The French founded the city in 1718 and later lost control ...

Why do shotgun houses have windows?

The windows and doors at either end, combined with high ceilings, allow for efficient ventilation and airflow in such a hot and humid climate. A shotgun house’s foundation is raised off the ground, which allows for airflow below the home and discourages termites and other pests from setting up shop. The home’s foundation also protects against flooding and suits the softer earth below.

What does Carubba mean by "shotguns"?

Carubba agrees, saying “ [Shotguns] are indicative of our culture with the fact that all the rooms are connected and there’s not necessarily a lot of privacy. It’s sort of how New Orleans is in general, just being an open, loving city, and everybody’s family, everybody’s all up in everybody’s business. It’s a true representation of the city.”

Where do shotguns go in a house?

While earlier shotguns lacked proper bathrooms, modern shotguns position bathrooms toward the back of the house, near the kitchen. Other variations of the shotgun have proliferated, including “ double barrel” shotguns (two units with a shared center wall) and “camelbacks” (which boast a second story toward the back of the structure). But the most striking features of shotgun houses are their vibrant colors and diverse styles. Toward the late 1800s, shotguns became more decorative—most likely to diversify the housing market offerings—with gabled roofs, porches, and other stylistic flair inspired by French and Spanish architecture and everywhere in between.

Where did shotgun houses originate?

Structures of this type originated in West Africa, were then introduced to Haiti, and eventually made their way to New Orleans through Haitian and West African refugees, immigrants, and slaves.

Is New Orleans a tourist city?

If the humble history of the shotgun is inspiring you to pack your bags and head south, you’re not alone. New Orleans has long been a tourist destination, and the city’s vibe is appealing to transplants as well.

What is a Shotgun House?

Traditionally, shotgun houses feature a rectangular footprint with a narrow frontage. In fact, sometimes, it is only 12 feet wide. Many of them have a deep, gabled front porch that is designed for socializing. Due to the slim shape of the shotgun house, the interior rooms are mostly stacked backward from the front door, one after another, without using any hallway.

Where Are Shotgun Houses Located?

The original structure style of shotgun houses came from hot climates. The tunnel style of the houses could help harness cooler breezes. Yoruba people in the West and Central Africa were known to build dwellings like shotgun houses. This type of house is also popular in Haiti.

Where did the term "shotgun house" come from?

The term most likely originated from a Dahomey Fon area term “to-gun,” meaning “gathering place” or “house.” To-gun, sounding like a shotgun and in the New Orleans’ style of mispronouncing the word, becomes a “shotgun,” and bullets fly through the house (we like our stories).

What do you love about a shotgun home?

As someone that lives in a traditional shotgun home, there are things I love about it: the tall ceilings, the hardwood floors, and the history. I also like that the whole home is opened up, that people living in the house can not lock themselves away. Some would see that as a negative. I wouldn’t recommend having roommates in a shotgun. One thing that drives me crazy is that our bathroom is in the back of the building. Living in a three-bedroom shotgun, if you are in the living room, you have to walk half a block to the bathroom!

What is a shotgun house?

This is one style of home that is commonly seen here in New Orleans and that is the “Shotgun House”. The Shotgun house is easy to identify as a house with its long and narrow size. Rooms are in a straight line from front to back with many shotgun houses not having hallways. The shotgun house is a common type of residential architecture that you will see here in New Orleans.

Why is New Orleans the first shotgun city in the world?

New Orleans can have this honor because of a few different factors, ranging from simple economics to the spirit of preservation post-Katrina. When many cities were bulldozing these houses, New Orleans preserved them. The house which had become associated with poverty are now palatial homes. The simple shotgun house shelters both the working poor and the well-heeled alike here in New Orleans.

Why did the shotgun fall out of favor?

The modern shotgun fell out of favor for not just a lack of privacy but for also being associated with poverty. Many cities bulldozed shotguns in the name of “progress” and “urban renewal” in the1960’s and 1970s with historic homes being hauled away. The spirit of Preservation grew post-Katrina, with many shotguns being rehabbed.

What are the pros and cons of shotgun houses?

The biggest pro? Airflow! The raised floors, high ceilings, combined with doors and windows to allow for modest comfort. The big con? Privacy! The early Creoles did not have the same ideas about privacy as we do today. Walking through a bedroom with your dinner to go to the front parlor would be normal. This lack of privacy would become one reason shotguns fell out of favor, especially for growing families.

What type of home allowed for so much style and ornamentation, both inside and outside?

They would typically nicely appoint shotgun homes with crown moldings, brackets, gables, and even stained glass dormer windows. This simple type of home allowed for so much style and ornamentation, both inside and outside.

What is double shotgun?

Double shotguns started out as a way for extended families to live together, yet have privacy. Aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins, and even parents sharing a home meant that kids would always have some kind of sitter and sometimes built-in friends. Shared backyards meant close family ties of shared meals, gardening, and relaxation while children play. If the double was lucky enough to have a porch or even a stoop to gather street side to let the free entertainment of the neighborhood play out. A double shotgun could also mean a nice income with renting out half to help with expenses. Double shotguns now are being converted into single-family residences with the shotguns ability to be reconfigured to allow for a more modern idea of privacy and modern conveniences.

Where did the bungalow shotgun come from?

This is when the Bungalow style of shotgun became a very common sight in many New Orleans neighborhoods. The name “bungalow” comes from the Hindu word “Bangla” which roughly means “a low house surrounded by porches”. The style came to the shores of California in the early 1900s and quickly spread in popularity.

What is a shotgun house?

Shotgun houses, which gained popularity in the African American communities of New Orleans and other Southern cities like Charlotte, North Carolina, and Houston, Texas, in the early 19th century, are instantly recognizable for their small footprint. These one-room-wide single-story homes are situated close to their neighbors, so they don't have side windows. What they lack in square footage, they more than make up for in charm. Oftentimes these small homes have been painted in bright colors, and their welcoming front porches have been decked out with gingerbread trim.

How many rooms are there in a shotgun house?

Shotgun houses are usually one room, or about 12 feet wide, and three or four rooms deep. The front door leads directly into the living room, then there are one or two bedrooms, and the kitchen is in the back. There are no hallways, so it's necessary to walk through one room to get to the next.

Where did the name "shotgun house" come from?

Others speculate the word “shotgun” is derived from the Yoruba word togun, meaning “house” or “gathering place.”

What is double barrel shotgun house?

They're basically a shotgun-style duplex, with two single shotgun houses located side by side and sharing a central wall and front porch.

Do shotgun houses have hallways?

There are no hallways, so it's necessary to walk through one room to get to the next. All of the doors line up, providing a welcome breeze in the warm Southern climates. Shotgun houses typically feature spacious gabled front porches, which encouraged socializing with the nearby neighbors.

Did shotgun houses have bathrooms?

At the time they were built, there was no indoor plumbing, so bathrooms didn't exist. Most shotgun houses in use today have had bathrooms added on to the back. Tim Graham.

What is a Shotgun House?

The shotgun house’s design originated In West Africa, which came to New Orleans by way of St. Domingue (later Haiti). Its basic footprint is between 12 and 24 feet wide and two to four rooms deep. The rooms lay in succession, one behind the other, through to the back door of the house.

Where did the shotgun house originate?

The shotgun house is a narrow single-story dwelling originating in New Orleans in the early 19th century. The long, narrow design came by way of West African and Haitian immigrants ideal for the small plots of land. Additionally, the high ceilings and straight passageways were conducive to warm, humid climates.

Why is the kitchen in the back of the shotgun?

The kitchen sat in the back of the original shotgun since it was the hottest room of the house. In some designs, the kitchen moved to the center of the layout for closer proximity to the dining room. This placement also allows for further separation of the sleeping and common areas.

Why are shotgun houses not true?

Some shotgun houses are not “true” shotguns due to the hallway alignment. Though it’s a straight pass through the entire house, it was not an uncommon practice to offset some entrances. Folklore and superstition held that the misaligned doorways deterred ghosts and spirits from passing through the house.

What is a North Shore shotgun?

The North Shore shotgun is a design adopted by wealthy homeowners for vacation homes on Lake Pontchartrain’s North Shore. It maintained the single shotgun footprint surrounded on three sides by wide, covered verandas. The verandas give a luxurious, upscale look to the simplistic structure while retaining practical functionality.

What is a single shotgun?

Single Shotgun. The single shotgun is the traditional narrow layout, with 12 to 24 foot wide dimensions. Historically, the rooms were ordered front to back from the living room, dining room, bedroom, and kitchen. Initially, there was no indoor bathroom; it was later added behind the last bedroom or off the kitchen.

How much does it cost to build a shotgun house?

Estimates for new construction on a shotgun house go from about $100 to $110 per square foot.

Where are shotgun homes located?

The homes are also found in parts of Louisville, St. Louis and Atlanta. Some cities, including Charlotte and Houston, have even created shotgun house districts, and Miami declared almost four dozen shotgun homes historic landmarks in 2018. If you’re looking for a shotgun home for sale, a Rocket Homes SM agent can help you to find ...

How many rooms are there in a shotgun house?

Single Shotgun. This is the original shotgun house. It’s one room wide, one story tall and the length of three or four rooms, on average. The front usually features one door and one window (typically shuttered).

What is the purpose of a front porch in a shotgun home?

And since many shotgun homes were built within such close proximity with one another, the front porch was often the place residents would sit and socialize with neighbors and chat with passersby.

Why were shotgun houses built?

Some researchers claim the houses were built to better fit the narrow lots of the city and satisfy a loophole in real estate taxes.

How wide is a shotgun house?

Shotgun houses are typically about 12 feet wide, about the width of one room. Shaped as a rectangle, the length of the home is much longer, usually 3 – 4 rooms deep.

Why is the shotgun house called a shotgun house?

Some say the name “shotgun house” refers to the ability to shoot a bullet through the front door and have it fly through the home and out the back door without hitting anything.

Why was the layout of the house important?

The basic layout of the home was created to be practical for locals. The narrowness of the house allowed for cross breezes to provide natural ventilation, which was essential during the Southern heat.

Overview

History

Characteristics

Variations

Decline and legacy

Limited revival

Popular and Southern culture

Gallery