Tracing it’s roots back to the Bronze Age (roughly 3,500 BC) northern Europe, the log cabin is the epitome of function and the use of local materials. As early as 1640 they were recorded as having existed in North America. Seven US Presidents were actually born in log cabins, the most celebrated of whom was Abraham Lincoln.
Constructed of logs laid horizontally, usually with notches at the end to facilitate interlocking and minimize space in between, log cabins relied heavily on the site upon which they were built. Both drainage and sunlight were critical to their longevity. Styles, sizes and layouts varied greatly over the years and regions. Roofs were either rafter or purlin (horizontal logs notched to wall logs). Front porches were also very important to their design, especially for the hot summer months.
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