Greek Revival Style

At its height, the Greek Revival style parallels a period of geographic expansion and growing national identity in America. Part fashion, part conscious aesthetic, the style is defined by its inventive use of ancient Greek forms. In America, it was more than fashion; it was political. As a young country emerging from the shadow of its British colonial past, it sought new paradigms and viewed itself as the heir to Greek democratic tradition. In many ways Greek Revival represents the first and perhaps only national style that, while Greek in inspiration, was wholly American in spirit.

A typical Greek Revival house might be one to two-and-a-half stories with a low-pitched roof ridge oriented perpendicular to the street so that its end gable forms the pediment of a classical temple. To further the temple front motif, a full entablature (cornice, frieze, and architrave) wraps the entire house or returns deeply under the gable end. Most often this gable is part of a portico forming a covered gallery, or galleries, supported by large columns; while pilasters are also used to express the temple motif.

While such a home typically has a center entry and hallway, Greek Revival side-hall plans without an end gable pediment were used when the house was designed to fit narrow and deep lots in urban areas. In this event, the roof ridge was oriented parallel to the street and the front covered galleries, supported by temple-like columns, often incorporated a decorative parapet wall on the gallery roof above the entablature.

(1820-1860)