- At sea: European explorers lived in wooden sailing vessels. These ships were divided into compartments for living, storage, and cooking.
- On land: When explorers reached land, they would often set up camp in temporary shelters, such as tents or huts. They might also build more permanent structures, such as forts or trading posts.
Early Settlements in the New World (17th & 18th Centuries)
- Log cabins: One of the most common types of homes built by European settlers in the New World was the log cabin. These cabins were made from logs that were cut and stacked horizontally, creating a sturdy structure.
- Frame houses: Frame houses were another popular type of home. They were made from a frame of wooden beams, which were then covered with siding.
- Sod houses: In the Great Plains region, settlers often built sod houses. These houses were made from blocks of sod, which is the top layer of soil. Sod houses were well-insulated and could withstand the extreme temperatures of the Great Plains.
- Forts: In some areas, European settlers built forts to protect themselves from attacks by Native Americans or other enemies. These forts were typically made from wood or stone.
- Plantations: In the Southern colonies, wealthy landowners often lived on large plantations. These plantations were typically self-sufficient and included a large house for the owner and his family, as well as housing for the enslaved workers who worked on the plantation.