A Welcome Arrival
Outdoor coverings connected to a building have existed in various forms across cultures for millennia, from Greco-Roman porticos and Venetian loggias to ancient Indian alindas (verandas), among others. It wasn’t until the second half of the 19th century, however, that the porch became a ubiquitous part of American homes—particularly in the South, where French Colonial–style galleries, which echoed features of cabins built by enslaved people of African descent, provided shade and air circulation in hot, humid climates. Early American porches, such as the one in this 1899 photo of a Wisconsin home (below), were often wooden structures with columns, railings, and roof overhangs and were characterized by their symmetry and restrained ornamentation.
Evolving Purpose…
Before air-conditioning or electric fans, “sleeping porches”—screened-in spaces allowing cool nighttime breezes—became popular…
