Home » Visual & Performing Arts » Architecture » American Architecture 1820-1890

American Architecture 1820-1890

© Patrick Larum

A quick guide to architectural styles and periods.

Greek Revival to Second Empire The series continues with an exploration of American architecture from approximately 1820 to 1890. While American architecture can often be confusing mix of styles adapted from Greek, Roman, English, and Spanish influences, this guide will help provide a concise means to identify the major attributes of each style and period.

---

Greek Revival 1820-1860

Greek Revival symbolized the democratic ideals of America. Based on the ancient architecture of Greece, examples of the style can be found in courthouses, banks, and churches throughout the country.

• fluted columns and capitals
• pedimented porch
• tall windows at first floor
• heavy cornice
• rectangular transom window over entrance
• plain frieze

Gothic Revival 1830-1890

Inspired by literature's romantic movement of the early 1800's, the Gothic Revival glorified the medieval past of England.

• steeply gabled roof
• pointed arches
• picturesque silhouette
• towers and battlements
• bay and oriel windows
• leaded stained glass
• crenellation
• wooden scrollwork at eaves and gables

Italianate 1830-1880

Inspired by the architecture of Italy, Italianate is also known as Tuscan and Lombard. The style prospered with development of cast-iron and press-metal technology used in the production of decorative cornices, brackets, and moldings.

• flat roofs
• round arches
• heavily decorated, bracketed cornices and eaves
• scroll-shaped brackets
• tall windows at first floor
• hood moldings at windows
• cupola
• porches or verandas
• cast iron facades on commercial storefronts

Exotic Revivals 1830-1930

Reflecting a romantic interest in archeology and historic styles, the Exotic Revivals were primarily adapted from Egyptian and Moorish architecture. These styles were popular in hotels, theaters, and garden pavilions.

Egyptian Revival

• battered walls
• columns with palm or lotus capitals
• concave cornice
• winged disk motif

Moorish Revival

• Moorish arches
• domes of various sizes and shapes
• minaret style spire
• intricate surface decoration with mosaics and tiles

Second Empire 1860-1890

Second Empire derives its style from the French designs built during the reign of Napoleon III. The style, which aspired to a monumental and ornate appearance, was widely used in public buildings and houses.

• mansard roof
• prominent projecting and receding surfaces
• paired columns
• projecting central bay
• classical pediments and balustrades
• windows flanked by columns or pilasters
• arched windows with pediments and molded surrounds
• tall windows at first floor

---

The next installment will continue with an exploration of styles and periods beginning with the Stick Style. We will also survey some of America's most distinctive architecture including Queen Anne, Shingle Style, and Richardsonian Romanesque.

The copyright of the article American Architecture 1820-1890 in Architecture is owned by . Permission to republish American Architecture 1820-1890 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.