Antebellum architecture

Antebellum architecture (meaning "prewar", from the Latin ante, "before", and bellum, "war") is the neoclassical architectural style characteristic of the 19th-century Southern United States, especially the Deep South, from after the birth of the United States with the American Revolution, to the start of the American Civil War. Antebellum architecture is especially characterized by Georgian, Neo-classical, and Greek Revival style plantation homes and mansions.

Key features
Exterior: The main characteristics of Antebellum architecture viewed from the outside of the house often included huge pillars, a balcony that ran along the whole outside edge of the house to offer shade and a sitting area, evenly spaced large windows, and big center entrances at the front and rear of the house to add to the box like style of the mansion. These mansions also often included grand gardens with geometrically cut bushes to complement the symmetry of the house.

Interior: The interior of these mansions were just as extravagant as the outside. Common features included enormous foyers, sweeping open stairways, ballrooms, grand dining rooms, and intricate design work. The design work included intricate shapes and patterns made from plaster used to adorn walls and furniture. It was also used to create wood and floor designs.

Examples
Many plantation houses still standing are of this style, including:

Barrington Hall in Roswell, Georgia
Bulloch Hall in Roswell, Georgia
Goodman-LeGrand House in Tyler, Texas
Monmouth Plantation, in Natchez, Mississippi
Myrtles Plantation, in St. Francisville, Louisiana
Boone Hall, near Charleston, South Carolina; built in 1936, but in the antebellum style.
The Hermitage, near Nashville, Tennessee
Longwood in Natchez, Mississippi
Millford Plantation in Pinewood, South Carolina
Nottoway Plantation in White Castle, Louisiana
Belle Grove Plantation in Iberville Parish, Louisiana, the largest plantation house ever built in the South.
Orton Plantation in Brunswick County, North Carolina
Rosedown Plantation in St. Francisville, Louisiana
Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie, Louisiana
Belle Meade Plantation in Belle Meade, Tennessee
Waverley in West Point, Mississippi
Hunter-Dawson Home in New Madrid, Missouri
Carnton Plantation in Franklin, Tennessee
Rippavilla Plantation in Spring Hill, Tennessee
Glen Mary Plantation in Sparta, Georgia
Ward Hall in Georgetown, Kentucky
Evergreen Plantation in Wallace, Louisiana

History
The features associated with antebellum architecture were introduced by people of British descent who settled in the Southern states during the colonial period and in U.S. territories after the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 along with a wave of immigration from Europe in 1812. Great numbers of Europeans seeking economic opportunities emigrated to America after Napoleon's defeat and the end of the war of 1812. This new wave of entrepreneurs began to dominate not only the economy, but also the architecture of the first half of the 19th century.

In modern society
The debate over whether or not to preserve Antebellum Homes is an ongoing one. Some argue that because these lavish homes were built from fortunes created through slavery, oppression, and cruelty it is not ethical to preserve them because they serve as a reminder of American slavery. Others argue that because these homes have historical significance they should be maintained. Movies like Gone with the Wind and 12 Years a Slave are examples of Antebellum homes portrayed in pop culture and many Antebellum homes today even serve as tourist attractions.

Source From Wikipedia