The Lowland South
The folk landscapes of the Lowland South were created in response to the demands of the regions hot, humid climate. African-Americans, many of whom had connections to the Caribbean islands, made significant contributions to the design principles widely used in the Lowland South. Folk housing in the Deep South is generally very modest, because the middle class was nearly non-existent during the pre-industrial age. Most folk structures use local timber resources, but special precautions were taken by builders to minimize the danger of destruction by termites or wood-rot.
Look for these common design principles: pier-and-beam construction, large porches, ample windows, and gable end chimneys.
Shotgun House
The Shotgun House is easily the most common folk house of the Lowland South. The design was probably introduced to the US by Afro-Caribbean immigrants and slaves. The design has been widely adopted across the US. It can be found in many African-American neighborhoods outside of the South, and where industrial interests built housing for workers in the urban areas. New Orleans features several sub-types.
Charleston House
In coastal locations in the Carolinas and Georgia, the "Charleston House" features a number of folk-like environmental design features that seek to maximize the cooling effect of sea-breezes. Charleston Houses were clearly architect-designed and professionally built, they are included in this collection because they mimic the type of climate adaptations commonly characterizing traditional folk design.
Creole Cottage
Creole Cottages, also known as Grenier Houses, appear to have evolved from French designs brought first to Canada, but altered by Acadians who migrated to the US. They are far more common in Franco-phone regions of Louisiana than elsewhere, but the design appears in many Anglo-dominant locations across the Lowland South.