Although the majority of Sweet Bottom houses are from the Antebellum era, some are inspired by classic homes built during the Colonial era when England, Spain and France had colonies scattered across America. It is virtually impossible to characterize a uniform style for the Colonial era of architecture between 1607 and 1800. Early American Colonial architecture varied considerably from region to region; its influences depending on the nationalities of the settlers. The uncomplicated styles of American Colonial era architecture and decoration are distinctive for their multiple influences and diverse regional applications.
As the population increased and regional influences intermingled, the Georgian style emerged based primarily on forms popularized in England. Georgian homes incorporated characteristics designed as high-style, formal dwellings and preceded the more restrained and elegant Federal style used in both late American Colonial and early Antebellum periods.
Colonial era homes contain these common identifying features:
• Symmetrical and rectilinear architectural form
• Portico located at front door entrance
• Narrow side windows flanking and/or over front door
• Gabled or hipped roofs
• Double-hung windows with 9-12 panes per sash
• Paired Chimneys
• Roof balustrade
