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Homes of the Civil War

I hadn’t really thought much about homes that are still around from the Civil War era – nor about the positives and negatives of them until I came across an article in The Wall Street Journal.  One gentleman who owns such a home and knows that slaves were kept on the property admits that the home “has seen the good, and it’s seen the bad”.  He looks upon himself as a caretaker of the home.  Historic homes of the Civil War are a part of our history.

Chretien Point
Chretien Point Plantation – Photo by South St. Landry Community Library

Some of these homes are incredibly grand like the Chretien Point Plantation in Sunset, Louisiana, which was the site of a major Civil War battle in 1863.  This home is operated sometimes as a Bed and Breakfast and is available for weddings and events.  Caring for one of these historic homes is truly a labor of love and a financial commitment for the owners.  I can’t help but be awed by the beauty of some of the lovely homes.

The Chicora Wood Plantation
The Chicora Wood Plantation – Source: The Wall Street Journal

This beautiful Greek Revival home could be yours along with the 1,000 acres it sits upon.  It has been lovingly maintained and decorated and has beautiful views of the Pee Dee River in Georgetown, South Carolina.  As much as I love the look of this house from the outside, I would feel a little bit like I was living in a museum.  I can appreciate the intricacies of the home and the decor, but I think I will go for a more modern and relaxed look.

Chicora Wood Plantation River View
Chicora Wood Plantation – Source: Realtor.com
Chicora Wood Plantation Bedroom
Chicora Wood Plantation – Source: Realtor.com
Chicora Wood Plantation - Source- Realtor.com
Chicora Wood Plantation – Source: Realtor.com

Chicora Wood Plantation was built about 1819, it is in amazing condition.  If this is the home for you, it is on the market for a mere $13,475,000.  I think I will pass, but I do hope someone who wants to continue to care for this piece of American history will find themselves here.

The Stark Mansion
The Stark Mansion – Source: Pricey Pads

The Stark Mansion is quite different in style, but still gives a nod to Greek Revival with its opulent Corinthian columns.  Note the wide cornice band of trim to emphasize the temple-like roof.

The Stark Mansion Interior
The Stark Mansion – Source: Pricey Pads

This home has also been lovingly restored with intricate attention to detail.  Look how the built-in bench and the staircase moldings mimic one another.

The Stark Mansion Dining Room
The Stark Mansion – Source: Pricey Pads

The formal dining room of the Stark Mansion features a punkah fan.  These fans have been in use since early 500 B.C.  They were used before electricity to create a breeze to cool the occupants of the room.

oak-alley-plantation
Oak Alley Plantation – Source: Trip Advisor

In my mind, no article on home of the Civil War would be complete without at least one photo of Oak Alley Plantation.  This stunning home is on my list of homes I would like to see.  Not necessarily for the interiors, but the stunning oak alley that leads up to the home is one amazing site.

Houses of Civil War America

If you would like to learn more about these houses, you may enjoy the book, Houses of Civil War America  which features the homes of Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and other important figures of the Civil War.

What do you think?  If you had the time and the money could you live in one of these historic gems?

I’ll be sharing this at the following link parties: Amaze Me Monday

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3 Comments

  1. These homes are beautiful! I appreciate their beauty and history while viewing them with mixed emotions. Their history is a part of my history and a story that yields lessons for all of us. Thank you so much for sharing these.

    1. Sandra, I am glad you liked my sharing, it was a bit difficult for me. I am descended from people who fought on both sides of the civil war, not slave owners or owners of beautiful homes like these, but it is a history lesson through beautiful homes.

  2. I loved my visit to Oak Alley. Yes there were also haunting emotions I felt there but I think the best way to not forget the worst we can be is to be reminded of what we were once.

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