Architectural History

BY ISABEL BERMAN

"Shotgun" houses—long, narrow, one-story homes known for their straight-line layout from front to back doors—have become architectural icons closely tied to the streets of New Orleans.

However, the roots of these homes actually date back to West African and Caribbean architectural traditions brought by African and Haitian immigrants.

In an interview with NPR Marketplace, Fallon Samuels Aidoo, an assistant professor of real estate and historic preservation at Tulane University’s School of Architecture, explains that, “French explorers and colonialists brought back those influences and people who were familiar with building in that way to New Orleans, which was a major port city in the slave trade.”

She emphasizes how these architectural traditions, brought by both colonizers and enslaved people, shaped the city's unique built environment, blending cultural influences from Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean into New Orleans' distinctive urban fabric.

In addition to their historical significance, shotgun houses are notable for their adaptability and resilience. Their straightforward layout made them cost-effective to build and maintain, which contributed to their proliferation across New Orleans, particularly in working-class and Black neighborhoods. Over time, the shotgun house became a symbol of community and resourcefulness, surviving natural disasters like hurricanes and economic shifts that have impacted the city. However, as New Orleans has undergone periods of gentrification and redevelopment, the shotgun house has also become a point of contention. Some view the preservation of these homes as essential to maintaining the cultural fabric of the city, while others see it as part of a broader displacement of historically marginalized communities.

Today, efforts to preserve shotgun houses involve navigating the delicate balance between celebrating their historical and architectural importance and addressing the socioeconomic realities that surround their existence. As Aidoo suggests, understanding the origins of the shotgun house requires not only an appreciation for its architectural features but also a recognition of the broader cultural and historical forces that shaped its development. These homes are more than just a distinctive part of New Orleans' urban landscape—they are a testament to the enduring legacy of African and Caribbean contributions to the city's identity, as well as a reminder of the resilience of the communities who built and lived in them.

To view the full interview, visit NPR's Marketplace.

(Above: Photo from Adobe Stock)