Architectural Styles Greek Revival CA. 1820-1860

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Overview	Colonial	Georgian	Federal
Greek Revival

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The problem is identifying vernacular forms of Greek Revival, which lack the signature columns and porticoes associated with Tara and other fantasies of the old South.

SIZE AND SHAPE	Generally rectangular Usually 2 stories high
ROOF LINE	Nearly flat with parapet, but also gabled, especially on vernacular houses Roof slope is lower than before Large, plain cornices and fascias
CHIMNEY	Not prominent
DOORWAYS & DOORS	Much classical Greek ornament; anthemions, dentil moulding, swags, fans, and key frets Rectangular, 3 to 7 light transoms Paneled doors; rectangular sidelights
WINDOWS	Double-hung, even triple-hung Large, often floor-length Never Palladian Often a row of small, attic-level frieze windows just below the cornice
PORCHES	Small, square, Greek columned entrance porches Large, formal porticoes common
FACADE	Ultra-symmetrical placement of doors, and windows, although front door often set at one side of the facade
ORNAMENTATION	Columns and ornament of the Greek classical orders Heavy, flat cornices with triglyphs; Greek pilasters at corners
WATCHWORDS	Formal, symmetrical, classical

 

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Source: Overview by Bryan Wright; tables adapted from an article by James C. Massey and Shirley Maxwell

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Related Links:

Colonial Sense: Houses
Colonial Sense: Towns

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