French Settlers - Housing

• The earliest homes were built of upright logs, preferably cedar, set about 3 feet deep into the ground. Stone was used later for some foundations and houses. Often porches wrapped around 4 sides.
• Houses were about 36' long and 20' wide and had 1 to 5 rooms, including a commons room where cooking was done.
• Later houses were whitewashed and shutters were added to protect precious windowpanes.
• Other buildings near the house were the stable, the slave quarters, the henhouse, and the pigpen--all surrounded by a picket fence.

Image: Victor Collot, Voyage dans l'Amérique du Nord, Paris, 1826

How do they compare? Native Americans | French Settlers | African Slaves

© Illinois State Museum 31-Dec-96