Part 6/12:
Emerging in the late 19th century and peaking in the 1920s, shotgun houses are distinguished by their narrow rectangular design—often only 12 feet wide. Characterized by a linear arrangement of rooms with no hallways, these homes originated in New Orleans, influenced by West African architecture. Shotgun houses were cost-effective solutions for the housing shortage in bustling urban areas. While many faced neglect over the years, recent gentrification efforts have led to their revival. One of the most notable examples is Elvis Presley’s childhood home in Tupelo, Mississippi.