Name/Title
Freedman's CottagesEntry/Object ID
2007.001.10Scope and Content
Freedman's cottages are small, 1-story dwellings with side piazzas, sometimes described by architectural historians as a subset of the Charleston single house. Indeed, they appear at first glance to be a 1-story version of this well-studied architectural type. Long associated with African-Americans, freedman's cottages have not been thoroughly studied for their architectural associations. Along with the shotgun house and praise house, the freedman's cottage may represent one of the only vernacular architectural types in America to be associated exclusively with African-American history. The floor plan of many freedman's cottages feature 1 room to either side of a central fireplace and chimney. Oriented with the gable end to the street, the cottages were originally entered through a piazza screen. Located along the piazza were 2 entrance doors, 1 going into each of the 2 principal rooms. Because of their small size, many freedman's cottages have been enlarged. Additions were usually placed to the rear, but in some instances, the piazzas were also enclosed. Freedman's cottages can be found throughout Charleston's historic district, but are concentrated in predominately African-American neighborhoods in the northern sections of Charleston's peninsula, including Elliottborough, Radcliffeborough and neighborhoods near and to the north of the Crosstown Expressway (Hwy. 17 South).Collection
Preservation Topics and IssuesAcquisition
Accession
2007.001.Source or Donor
New Archives Catalog Records (2007)Acquisition Method
Collected by StaffLexicon
Search Terms
Freedman's cottage, African Americans--South Carolina--Charleston--Housing, Vernacular architecture--South Carolina--Charleston, Historic buildings--South Carolina--CharlestonArchive Details
Archive Size/Extent
3 document boxes (files, index cards, photographs)Archive Notes
Level of Description: SeriesLocation
Location
Shelf
Archives D-11Room
Margaretta P. Childs ArchivesBuilding
Missroon HouseCategory
PermanentDate
February 7, 2023Created By
admin@catalogit.appCreate Date
June 22, 2007Updated By
kemmonsUpdate Date
July 27, 2021