What is a shotgun house?

This episode of Stuff You Should Know explores the fascinating history and cultural significance of shotgun houses - those distinctive long, narrow homes you've probably seen throughout the American South and beyond. Josh and Chuck dive into how these modest dwellings trace their roots from West Africa through Haiti to New Orleans, eventually becoming a symbol of African-American architecture and community life. They cover everything from the houses' unique design features and the real story behind their quirky name to their role in fostering front porch culture and their surprising connections to famous musicians like Elvis Presley and John Mellencamp.