37. French Colonial / Plantation House

This style (the only colonial style originating in North America) followed the French settlers along the St.Lawrence River, then, with the French explorers, down the Mississippi River and along the Gulf of Mexico.
The style became very popular in the U.S. South East from 1760 to 1815. It served as the main house for many plantations (sadly with the accompaniment of slave shacks). Due to flooding in the area, the bottom story was usually maintained for storage purposes.

What to look for (clues)

• These are large buildings with a second floor that has a deep, shaded verandah that extends all around the house.
  

• There's a fairly steep gable roof with protruding dormers.

• Paired French doors at the front and back (sometimes with transoms) allow the wind to sweep away the heat of the day.

• A wide central staircase or pair of staircases (one at each end) leads to the gallery on the second floor. (The 2nd floor was also above most of the flying bugs!)

• Vertical board shutters on strap hinges can cover the glass when storms approach.

Where to find it

The beautiful version shown here is in Aylmer, Quebec, near Ottawa. It is presently being used as a museum.
One of my favourite examples was near the coast in Pensacola, Florida. Although it had survived numerous hurricanes, two particularly brutal storms hit the area since I last visited. I feel it is always a tragedy when one of the historic veterans is destroyed.