Log cabins have been a popular home and lodging option for many Americans since the seventeenth century. Traditional log cabins are made of logs notched at the ends, with the spaces in between filled with mud, moss, plaster, or another material. Though they can be made from any type of wood, most are either pine or cedar. Here are a few interesting details about these beloved dwellings to make your next stay in one a more memorable experience.

What Are Some Facts About Log Cabins?

1. Nine Presidents Were Born in Log Cabins

U.S. Presidents James K. Polk, Zachary Taylor, Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan, Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, and James Garfield were all born in log cabins. And though he wasn't born in one, William Henry Harrison used it in his successful Presidential campaign to paint himself as a man of the common folk who was in tune with the sensibilities of westward expansion. From their earliest days, log cabins have been intertwined with American history, patriotism, and a sense of independence and self-sufficiency.

2. They Can Improve Your Health

Living or staying in a log cabin comes with some potential health benefits. Wood is a natural insulator that can keep you warm, comfortable, and safe from the elements and temperature extremes. 

Timber is a breathable material that can let enough air in and out to keep humidity levels low, which makes the air easy to breathe and reduces the risk of mold growth. The natural materials can also help you feel more in touch with nature.

3. The Oldest Standing Log Cabin in the U.S. Dates Back to 1638

The C.A. Nothnagle Log House is the oldest American log cabin and still stands in Gibbstown, New Jersey. It was built as early as 1638 by Swedish settlers, and the fireplace contains the original bricks brought from Sweden. 

The builders constructed the house using no nails or horizontal support beams. Instead, it is held together by trunnel pins and dovetails. The Nothnagle House is a testament to the craftsmanship and ingenuity of the early settlers.

Have an unforgettable log cabin vacation at Jerico Bed/Breakfast & Pre-Civil War Log Cabins in Pocahontas County, WV. They feature a variety of cabins with mountain, forest, and river views. Their main house offers a traditional bed and breakfast experience, and an abundance of local sights and attractions will fill your stay with history and adventure. Call (304) 799-6241 or visit them online to reserve a cabin rental.