Federal Architecture

Federal architectural style is a modified Georgian style with Ancient Greek and Roman influence

During the period from 1780 to 1830, the architecture in the United States witnessed a propensity towards that of ancient Rome and Greece. The trend was most popular between 1785 and 1815, in the aftermath of excavations in Herculaneum and Pompeii. The chief intent of the builders then – during the Early Republic – was to shift the building styles away from the existing Gothic architecture that was tied in with feudalism. The emerging building style, inspired mostly (but more delicate and formal) from the Adam style and the Georgian Neoclassical style, became known as the Federal Style Architecture. Buildings constructed during the period were symbolized by the frequent recurrence of the American eagle.

Low-pitched roof, smooth façade, large and elliptical windows with double-hung sashes (often with six-panes per sash), sidelights and elliptical fanlights crowning the front door, characterized the Federal style urban dwellings.

The style was a precursor to the Greek Revival style.

Similar entries

• Georgian Architecture - Style That Lasted a Century
• Colonial Architecture
• Rise of Greek Revival Architecture
• Effect of Greek Revival Architecture in Great Britain
• Influence of Greek Revival Architecture
• Growth of Greek Revival Throughout the United States
• Italianate Style in the United States
• Polychromy in Greek Revival Architecture
• Greek Revival Emergence in Germany and France
• Colonial Revival Style - The American Nationalistic Movement in Architecture
• American Craftsman Bungalow
• Modern Gothic
• Italianate style in England
• Gothic Architecture - “Survival” vs. “Revival”
• Italianate Architecture