Travel across North Carolina and you'll discover a state with rich contrast in landscape and history. The simple yet conservative styles in North Carolina's low cottages and tidewater bungalows draw their inspiration from the rustic homes in the Western portion of the state. Those who love waterfront towns and beach bungalows will find themselves drawn to the ocean and potentially browsing Morehead City real estate and other Crystal Coast havens.
Breaking Away from Chareston Architecture
I've you've been to Charleston (South Carolina), you've probably been impressed with the stately homes in the area. Since similar cities (like Morehead City NC) borrow Charleston's architectural styles, we're going to examine the history of Morehead City NC.
Back in the 17th and 18th centuries, the early homes in Morehead City were simple and functional. Back then, none of the homes were the stately homes that we sometimes imagine. Rather, these homes had a lack of craftsmanship and resources because these homes were built by simple people. These homes were built by Humble settlers and not designed to show wealth and stature. These homes were really built to be functional, addresses the differing climate, and simply exist within the natural resources of the region. During the construction phase, these homes were built with large porches and open breezeways designed to keep the air flowing and keep the residents cool. These days, we tend to view these large porches that often wrapped around the homes as having a significant influence on style...however...back then, these porches were built out of function rather than style.
Back in the 17th and 18th centuries, the early homes in Morehead City were simple and functional. Back then, none of the homes were the stately homes that we sometimes imagine. Rather, these homes had a lack of craftsmanship and resources because these homes were built by simple people. These homes were built by Humble settlers and not designed to show wealth and stature. These homes were really built to be functional, addresses the differing climate, and simply exist within the natural resources of the region. During the construction phase, these homes were built with large porches and open breezeways designed to keep the air flowing and keep the residents cool. These days, we tend to view these large porches that often wrapped around the homes as having a significant influence on style...however...back then, these porches were built out of function rather than style.
The Railroad Changes Everything
When the railroad was created in the 18th Century, suddenly all types of building material were easier to mass-produce and distribute. As the "railroad revolution" continued to change everything, the architectural profession began to emerge. As this happened, newer architectural styles started to influence construction. More landowers moved into and settled throughout the state, farm land started to become more profitable, and more money was available to spend on the this "new insurgence of style." Plantations popped up on the Eastern side of North Carolina, where the high quality soil started producing very valuable crops like tobacco and cotton. These plantations featured larger beautifully elegant "master's houses" as well slaves houses.
The Civil War Ravages and Changes the Land
The United States Civil War really had a huge impact throughout the country, especially the Southeast. Throughout the Civil War, alot of homes were destroyed. In the meager years that followed, very few of the surviving landowners were investing in and building new homes. This period had a lull in construction and stalled the innovative architectural style. Everything then turned around with the advancement of the Industrial Revolution. This era of mass production made construction materials available at much lower costs that allowed homeowners to build more, larger and more elaborate homes. Gone were the days of function and in were the days of over-the-top ornate designs. Throughout Raleigh, this style is very present – a prime example is the Governor’s Mansion, lavishly a Queen Anne style.
The Early 20th Century
The early 20th Century saw unprecedented growth in North Carolina towns as people increasingly left farms for more industrialized work. Throughout this time, main streets quickly became the hub of town and small farm communities were cities with brick commercial buildings being replaced with timber and steel that could be utilized more cheaply and quickly than ever before.
Enter the time of the suburb. This era didn’t usher in suburbia as we know it, but the concept was born and well received. Charlotte was the first city in North Carolina to have "streetcar suburbs". The Myers Park neighborhood is the most well-known in the area and is now considered a part of downtown. The idea that you could live outside the city and commute into work was born. Streetcar suburbs in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Durham, Raleigh, and Wilmington soon followed.
As assembly line technology and factory-made products soon lead to pre-fabricated houses, which began to appear in mail-order catalogs. The most popular style was ‘the bungalow’, a style commonly identified by low, horizontal massing, sloping roofs, eaves, front gables, and cozy interiors. This style home brought a revived insurgence of the suburban lifestyle. Communities were created by families choosing to live near each other in similar style homes. Replication of the styles lined the streets and gated communities were born.
Cities developed further through the next 50 years with social and political movements influencing the types of buildings that were being built in the state. Women entering the work force called for increased school facilities, more banks and stores. Higher Education construction followed suit with colleges and universities popping up throughout the state.
As assembly line technology and factory-made products soon lead to pre-fabricated houses, which began to appear in mail-order catalogs. The most popular style was ‘the bungalow’, a style commonly identified by low, horizontal massing, sloping roofs, eaves, front gables, and cozy interiors. This style home brought a revived insurgence of the suburban lifestyle. Communities were created by families choosing to live near each other in similar style homes. Replication of the styles lined the streets and gated communities were born.
Cities developed further through the next 50 years with social and political movements influencing the types of buildings that were being built in the state. Women entering the work force called for increased school facilities, more banks and stores. Higher Education construction followed suit with colleges and universities popping up throughout the state.
Visit the Crystal Coast
As you travel across North Carolina, keep in mind the charming nostalgic styles of the first settlers. Their simple and functional style really influenced the culture going forward. When touring the Crystal Coast, this simplicity and understated importance of the natural resources used in construction is quaint and interesting.
The Crystal Coast is perfectly positioned along North Carolina's Southern Outer Banks. The pristine beaches and scenic natural wonders provide the backdrop for a vacation escape filled with rich history and fascinating stories.
You might just visit the area and fall in love. Many others have!
The Crystal Coast is perfectly positioned along North Carolina's Southern Outer Banks. The pristine beaches and scenic natural wonders provide the backdrop for a vacation escape filled with rich history and fascinating stories.
You might just visit the area and fall in love. Many others have!