Greek Revival Architecture Captured America’s Independent Spirit

Between 1820 and the start of the Civil War in 1861, the United States enjoyed relative peace and prosperity. The country achieved an independent and democratic government, frontiers were being settled, and the population increased from 10 million to 31 million.
Fascinated by archeological explorations of ancient Greek sites, and sympathetic to Greece’s war for independence, American architects began to adopt Greek forms. While British-styled buildings represented colonial oppression, Greek Revival architecture was tangible evidence of America’s support of the democratic ideal.
Greek Revival (a.k.a. “national style”) dominated all types of construction in all regions of the country. Like a Greek temple, the short side of the building faced the street, often with a portico framing the entry. Windows and doorways were large and sturdy, symbolic of a confident and forward-looking nation.
Roofs were of a low- to medium-pitch, and either took a hipped or gabled from. A hipped roof slopes on all sides like a pyramid, while a gabled roof slopes on two sides. Chimneys were small and insignificant. Buildings were typically painted white to reflect the white marble of ancient Greek buildings.
Since the Greek Revival period occurred during the early stages of the Industrial Age, buildings were fitted with the latest inventions. Cast iron stoves appeared in kitchens, and a few bathrooms even had tubs, showers and indoor toilets.