The varied state of the Camerons' plantation mansion reflects the state of the South at large.

At first, the house is the very definition of luxury. We see beautiful painting hanging on the walls. We see elegant couches that must be divine for taking naps. And we see the hustle and bustle of loyal servants. This establishes the mansion—and the Camerons themselves—as symbols of the Southern aristocracy.

The house becomes a major target during the war. For example, at one point a group of guerillas attack the house, ransacking it and setting it on fire. Later, during Reconstruction, Lynch makes it his goal to cause as much damage to it as possible.

Because the house represents the Southern aristocracy, these attacks represent the perceived targeting of that aristocracy by the North during the Reconstruction. Furthermore, the house's resilience despite these attacks reflect Griffith's belief that this line of nobility is alive and well in this new American era.