Log Cabin

Log Cabin. . , The cabin before you is a good example of the kind of home built in early Powhatan. , A structure like this cabin, made of hand-hewn cypress logs, could be built quickly with a few simple tools. Though its exact construction date is not known, this one and a half story cabin was probably completed by the mid-nineteenth century. It is the oldest structure in Powhatan., A story lies behind each detail. , When you explore the house, notice details. How were the logs joined at the corners? How tightly do the logs fit? What are the chimney stones like? , (caption) Examine the corner. The builder used half-dovetail notches. Outward-sloping angles drain water away from the notch, discouraging rot and keeping the cabin strong. , , (caption) Frequent maintenence on the chinking and daubing keeps the gaps between the logs weather - tight. , (caption) Doors and windows were small and few to conserve precious heat and minimize cutting structural logs.