Dogtrot house

Floorplan of a typical dogtrot/breezeway house in the Southeastern United States
One of several dogtrot houses formerly used as slave quarters at the plantation of Thornhill near Forkland, Alabama. This photograph was taken in 1934; the dwelling was subsequently destroyed. Note the split-shingle roof and stick-and-mud chimney.

The dogtrot, also known as a breezeway house, dog-run, or possum-trot, is a style of house that was common throughout the Southeastern United States during the 19th and early 20th centuries.[1][2] Some theories place its origins in the southern Appalachian Mountains. Some scholars believe the style developed in the post-Revolution frontiers of Kentucky and Tennessee. Others note its presence in the South Carolina Lowcountry from an early period. The main style point was a large breezeway (instead of a hallway) through the center of the house to cool occupants in the hot southern climate.[1][3]

Architects continue to build dogtrot houses using modern materials, but maintaining the original design.[4]

  1. ^ a b Gamble, Robert (1990). Historic architecture in Alabama: a guide to styles and types, 1810–1930. Tuscaloosa, AL: University of Alabama Press. pp. 24–29. ISBN 0-8173-1134-3.
  2. ^ "Dog-Run Houses". Texas State Historical Association. June 12, 2010. Retrieved July 17, 2011.
  3. ^ McAlester, Virginia; McAlester, Lee (1986). A Field Guide to American Houses. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. pp. 83–85. ISBN 0-394-51032-1.
  4. ^ "Dogtrot House - House of the Month - Architectural Record". Archrecord.construction.com. Retrieved June 6, 2015.