American Colonial Revival

Definition

The American Colonial Revival is an architectural style that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a renewed interest in the colonial architecture of the United States. This style sought to evoke the charm and simplicity of early American homes, often incorporating elements from Georgian, Federal, and Colonial styles, reflecting a nostalgia for America's colonial past and its democratic ideals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The American Colonial Revival movement coincided with a growing sense of nationalism in the United States, especially after the Centennial Exposition of 1876, which celebrated America's independence.
2. Architects like Charles F. McKim and the firm of McKim, Mead & White played significant roles in popularizing Colonial Revival designs, particularly through their work on public buildings.
3. Key features of American Colonial Revival homes include symmetrical facades, gabled roofs, double-hung windows with shutters, and decorative entries with columns or pediments.
4. This style is closely associated with the Arts and Crafts movement, reflecting a desire for handcrafted quality and historical authenticity in design.
5. The American Colonial Revival has remained influential into the 21st century, often seen in suburban developments that seek to evoke a sense of tradition and history.

Review Questions

• How did the American Colonial Revival reflect the cultural sentiments of late 19th and early 20th century America?
  • The American Colonial Revival was a response to the growing nationalism and nostalgia for early American history during this period. As America sought to establish its identity separate from European influences, this architectural style embraced elements from colonial architecture to evoke pride in the nation's origins. The revival served not only as a reflection of aesthetic preferences but also symbolized a collective yearning for a simpler, more virtuous past.
• Compare the features of American Colonial Revival architecture with those of Georgian architecture. What similarities and differences can be identified?
  • American Colonial Revival architecture shares several features with Georgian architecture, such as symmetrical facades and classic proportions. Both styles emphasize balance and harmony in design. However, American Colonial Revival often incorporates broader interpretations that include elements from various colonial styles unique to America, such as Federal influences. Additionally, while Georgian architecture tends to be more formal and restrained, Colonial Revival may exhibit more eclectic variations that reflect local adaptations and personal tastes.
• Evaluate how the American Colonial Revival movement has influenced modern residential design and urban planning in contemporary America.
  • The influence of the American Colonial Revival can be seen in many modern residential designs that emphasize traditional aesthetics while incorporating contemporary amenities. Urban planning often reflects this trend by creating neighborhoods that evoke historical styles to foster community and continuity. This desire for familiarity can sometimes conflict with modernist ideals of innovation and progress, leading to debates about authenticity versus adaptation in architecture. Overall, the revival's impact continues to shape how Americans envision their built environments, balancing historical reverence with modern needs.

Related terms

Georgian Architecture: A style of architecture that originated in England during the reigns of the first four British monarchs named George, characterized by symmetry and classic proportions.

Federal Style: An architectural style that emerged in the United States from roughly 1780 to 1830, known for its elegant simplicity and use of decorative elements such as fanlights and pilasters.

Craftsman Style: An architectural style popular in the early 20th century that emphasized handcrafted details, natural materials, and a connection to nature, often seen as a reaction against the mass production of homes.