New Orleans’ Shotguns
May 20th, 2009
The Talking Heads’ song, “Once in a Lifetime” opening line was “And you may find yourself living in a shotgun shack…” Who knew until then that David Byrne appreciated these wonderful historic homes? And for many New Orleanians and visitors alike, these are the homes that are typical of New Orleans architecture.
Most believe these homes got their name from the belief someone could shoot a shotgun through the front door and the pellets would go clean out the back of the house without hitting anything. That’s a comforting thought. The basic structure of a New Orleans shotgun was a raised wood frame house, built close to the street, with 3-5 rooms lined one after another.
Fireplaces were centered between rooms, and high ceilings allowed for better air circulation. Over time and renovations, these delightful shotgun homes have evolved into appreciated uniquely New Orleans architectural homes.
Don’t forget to check out some shotgun variations like camelbacks on the Bywater Home Tour this Sunday, May 24 from 1-4pm. Tickets are $12 at Bud Rip’s Bar, corner of Piety and Burgundy.
Please call me at 504-812-8481 if I can be of any help!
Posted by:
Carol-Jean Dixon
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May 20th, 2009 at 09:24 PM Im a huge Talking Heads fan! I play Pysco Killer on acoustic!!!
May 21st, 2009 at 08:56 PM The Bywater home tour looks fabulous! Thanks fo the information, I will be there!