The majority of today's society has heard of the Salem Witch Trials of late-seventeenth-century Massachusetts. Those who are familiar with the origins of the trials know that the mass hysteria erupted due to the beliefs of Puritans. The Puritans were English Protestants, similar to the French Huguenots we speak of so often on here, who had a very strict belief system. They believed that anyEnglish Style Colonial Home Staen Island hardships they had were due to the work of the devil and that anybody who strayed even the slightest from their beliefs was in cahoots with the devil, and persecuted as a witch.

These beliefs began with the Puritans in England and accompanied them in the years between 1620 and 1640, when the "Great Migration" took place to New England, in America. While their views may have led to the executions of "witches" during the early 1690s, one good thing did come from their belief system. After having moved to New England, the Puritans began to build their homes and meeting houses. These structures were the start of a new style of architecture-at least, for America.

The Puritans believed that people who used extreme ornamentation in architectural styles were self-centered (these were also the people who were accused of being witches). Therefore, the Puritans would design their houses using the simpler features of late-Medieval architecture. The buildings would be constructed of timber, with either clapboard siding or weathered shingle siding. The facades of the house would have symmetrical fenestration with casement windows. At the center of the gabled roof would be a large chimney.

The houses described above are known as English Colonial-style houses, or New England Colonial-style houses. They were quite common up until 1850. During Colonial phase, however, variations were given to these houses, designating them as different architectural styles. The most recognizable variation of this style is the Saltbox. The feature most noticeable about this type of house is its sloping, lean-to gable roof. Many of these were built in Staten Island during their prominence. In fact, on October 26, 2011, one such house, which is located at 29 Cottage Place, was designated as a New York City Landmark.

For the latest information on home styles and architecture on Staten Island or for homes for sale on Staten Island check back or contact or office at 718-668-0423

Posted by Anthony Licciardello on

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