Federalist and Queen Anne architecture are two of the States’ major historical styles, as well as two of my favorites in the world.

The Federalist style was a result of the push to create a national identity after the American Revolution: other countries had hundreds or thousands of years of culture behind them, but we had to start from scratch. So, as we did with our government, we derived influence from ancient Greece and Rome, using symmetrical, geometrical styles with pillars, domes, entablatures, and pediments. However, it differed from previous styles in its material and practicality, being made of brick, and its function, being used for homes as well as official buildings.

The Queen Anne Revival style came later in the 1800s. Of all the world’s architectural styles, I think this is one of the most charming and distinctive, with its bright colors, lacy gable roofs, paned turrets, bay windows, and generous, shaded porches. Many Queen Anne homes look as though they’re from a fairy tale.

Both styles are most found in historical cities across the country, but I associate them most strongly with the Northeast, where I grew up, and which is a place I remember fondly. (I currently reside in Florida.)

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Page created March 15, 2024.

Examples

Queen Anne Revival

Federalist