The Fireplace in Early American Homes

The very first homes in the English colonies, like the ones at

Jamestown, had no fireplace, and cooking was done either outside or in the center of house on the dirt floor. Soon, however, all homes had at least one fireplace. The kitchen might have tiny windows, bare walls, and dingy rafters, but it tended to be the most cheerful room in the house. The fireplace gave a house warmth and was the heart of the home. Many of the household activities centered there.

The first fireplaces tended to be huge, but, as the forests began to gradually dwindle due to clearing and burning for things like home fuel, tar, and potash, the fireplaces also shrank in size. This is one clue to dating old homes.

Chimneys were hurried affairs at first. They were usually made with green logs and covered with clay. These soon gave way to stone or brick. By this time, many of the kitchen fireplaces had a baking oven to the side. The pots, pans, and fireplace implements were often the most valuable possessions in a small home.


Homes of the wealthy sported several fireplaces , because the larger homes needed them for comfort. Still, it wasn't uncommon for many rooms to remain unheated, especially the bedrooms.

The German settlers were first to use stoves extensively. These proved more efficient and eventually became widespread, but fireplaces were never completely replaced. Even today people appreciate their aesthetic value.

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