SALTBOX Meaning and
Definition
-
A saltbox is a type of architectural design found in colonial American homes. It is characterized by a distinctive shape and roofline, reminiscent of a wooden box used for storing salt, from which its name is derived.
The typical saltbox design features a long, sloping roof that extends down to the first floor in the back, creating a distinctive asymmetrical silhouette. The front of the house usually has two stories, while the back typically has only one. This design originated in New England during the 17th century and became popular throughout the American colonies.
The saltbox style often includes a central chimney and a large, central entrance door. The front of the house is usually symmetrical, with evenly spaced windows, while the back may have fewer or smaller windows. The roof is steeply pitched, enabling it to shed snow more easily during winter months. The saltbox design allowed for additional living space on the second floor, as well as increased storage in the attic.
Today, the term "saltbox" generally refers to any house or building that resembles the original New England design. It has become a recognizable architectural style and is often replicated in modern homes for its historical charm. The saltbox is considered a quintessential symbol of early American architecture, evoking a sense of colonial heritage and simplicity.
Common Misspellings for SALTBOX
Etymology of SALTBOX
The word "saltbox" has been derived from the architectural style of houses commonly found in New England, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries. The name originates from the shape of the building, which resembles a wooden box used to store salt.
The term "saltbox" is believed to have originated due to the resemblance of these houses to a type of wooden container called a "saltbox", which was used to store salt. Wooden saltboxes were typically rectangular in shape, with a sloping lid or roof that allowed easy access to the salt. The houses that adopted a similar shape with a sloping roof at the rear resembled these saltboxes, hence the name "saltbox houses".
The design of saltbox houses was practical, with a long, sloping roof in the back that extended to the first floor at the front, giving the house an asymmetrical shape.
Similar spelling word for SALTBOX
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
