Federal Architecture in Savannah GA
In the 18th century, a new American movement began to carve its national identity in the world. A famous architectural style in the country, which had the historical markings of the colonial past and lined the streets of its most prominent cities, was initially brought over by laborers and wealthy patrons, refined itself with its own characteristics, and later transformed into a unique American movement. As it became known, the Federalist architectural style began to define the look of the developing nation and dominated the urban landscape from around 1780 to 1840, helping establish the budding American legacy.
"The Federalist Era was a time of progression and growth for the United States. In this time the Federalist party was formed, the Constitution was adopted and the federal government expanded. The democracy of ancient Greece and the republic of Rome influenced the government. Naturally, design reflected the growth in the country and American Federal architecture drew from Roman classicism to create something entirely new and unique." - https://www.savannah.com/finding-federal-architecture-savannah/
Throughout modern history, design concepts and traditions from classical antiquity have dominated Western aesthetics. Rules from classicism in the disciplines of architecture and art were followed as canon and considered standard practice. Architects throughout the Western hemisphere looked up to the works of Ancient Greece and Rome. These modern architects conjured novel ways to execute the landmark classical ideals of simplicity and symmetry. In Britain, Scottish architect William Adam and his sons, Robert and James, developed the Adams style. With the onset of the Industrial Revolution, cities expanded and modernized, helping popularize the Adams style. The style provided refinements that simplified Georgian (the precursor to the Federalist style, named after English King George III) architecture, using rules from antiquity as inspiration while adding decoration to its designs. This momentum helped create a sophisticated and captivating new movement in architecture.
In the new world, the freshly minted Americans were impressed by these architects working across the pond. Robert Adam and his "Adam style" influenced the construction of buildings in the Federalist era. The burgeoning generation of Americans wanted to associate the brand-new country with the legacies of ancient Greek democracy and the republicanism of ancient Rome. Thus, the "Adam" style, or modernization of the Georgian style, was adopted as the preferred aesthetic of the land's most significant private and public buildings. At the same time, Americans defined the country's identity by creating a robust federalist government, starting the Federalist era.
The Federalist era of government is considered to have begun with the constitution's ratification and ended with the Democratic-Republican party winning the presidency, a political party formed by Thomas Jefferson. Meanwhile, the Federal style of architecture, named for existing in concurrence with the political period, lasted from the end of the 18th century into the mid 19th century. Found throughout most cities on the eastern coast of the U.S., the Federal style, after its colonial precedents, served as the symbolic architectural style of the thirteen colonies. Thomas Jefferson, one of America's founding fathers, helped promulgate the Federal style and became a significant influence in shaping the look of substantial government buildings in his era. Jefferson referenced a Roman temple to inspire the Capitol building in Virginia. The University of Virginia, especially the Rotunda, considered one of the most outstanding examples of Federal style architecture, was Jefferson's most significant contribution to the movement. In his capacity as president and with his propensity towards the Federal style, Thomas Jefferson helped influence the look of the American capital.
The main components that help to identify Federalist architecture are symmetrical forms and arrangements of windows and doors on the building's elevations. The use of fan lights over doors, flat lintels over windows, side windows flanking the front doors, side-gable or hipped roofs, double-hung windows with muntins (vertical dividers) separating glass panels, front door crowns or entry porches, and large three-part Venetian or Palladian windows. Architects most commonly used the style for private residences, schools, churches, and government buildings.
Federal Architecture in Savannah GA
Many excellent examples of Federal style architecture exist in
Savannah,
Georgia, one of America's most storied and well-preserved cities. Renowned as one of the oldest cities in the south, the city's preservation efforts have aided in conserving its unique American history. In
Savannah's
Historic
District, examples like the
Isaiah
Davenport
House are magnificent demonstrations of the Federal style. The Lachlan Macintosh house, which once hosted George Washington in 1791, is a classic Federal style home and is the oldest house in the
state of Georgia. The
Oliver Sturges House, whose namesake was part owner of the first
steamship ever built, is a brick Federal style residence. And even today, Federal style architecture continues to captivate Americans as they purchase and restore homes in the historic center of the iconic city. Savannah's passage through time and its generous stock of Federal style architecture has helped the city become a living testament to the American narrative.
