History of the Log Cabin Style Home

When Central Europeans came to America in the 17^th and 18^th centuries, they brought their log home construction knowledge and skills. The Swedish, in what is now known as Wilmington, Delaware, built the first log homes in America around 1638. With a small push from the Homestead Act of 1862 and the low cost to build these homes, log cabins quickly became the most popular form of shelter in early America.

The Homestead Act gave settlers 160 acres of land so long as they farmed the land and built a home at least 10’ x 12’ with one window; the purpose of the act was to encourage development in the West. Most homes were 15’ x 20’ and consisted of one room and a small loft that could be reached by ladder. There was one, sometimes two, windows and only one door. Very commonly, a fireplace would be installed; but these fireplaces were much larger and much more functional than a fireplace you would see in a home today. This fireplace would heat the whole cabin and provided a place to cook meals. Early colonists lived simply, which is perhaps why they were able to accomplish the things that they did.

Log cabins were built with trees that were cut down with an ax and then shaped to fit. Notches were cut to fit the logs together to create corners, since nails were not available. Twigs and mud were shoved into the gaps, in a technique called daubing, to prevent wintry air from entering the home. Considering the low cost and easy construction, log cabins were considerably sturdy and rainproof structures.

Location, location, location-it was more important then than it is now, if you can believe it! The site where the log cabin was built had to be chosen wisely and carefully. The site had to provide the right amount of sunlight and drainage for the homeowners to more easily survive the harsh frontier life. It also needed to be an ideal location to manage the farm or ranch from.

Unfortunately, there are very few “original” log cabins still standing today. Most of these homes were intended to be temporary, so they were used as animal shelters and storage units whenever the family was able to build a larger, more sophisticated home. Log cabins have withered in popularity but the rustic feel of these homes still grabs the attention of many.

For more information on log home living and log cabin plans, visit www.houseplansandmore.com for a large variety of log homes and cabin plans.

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