Federalist and Queen Anne Architecture
Federalist and American Queen Anne architecture are my two favorite architectural styles, and are two of the US’ major historical styles.
In the early years of this country, there was a deliberate push to create a national identity: other countries had hundreds, often thousands of years of history and tradition behind them, but we were starting from scratch.
Among the things we sought to create was a national architecture, so we created the Federalist style. It was influenced by the greater Neoclassical style popular across the West at the time—symmetrical, geometrical, winged buildings with Greco-Roman influence. But the Federalist style has less flourish, with a more hardy and practical look, being made of brick. Occasionally it sports eagle motifs.
The American Queen Anne 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 New England, where I grew up, and which is a place I remember fondly. (I currently reside in Florida.)
Page created March 15, 2024. Last updated June 12, 2024.
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