Federalist

The period and style between about 1785 to 1820 in the newly-founded United States. It is thus primarily a form of Classical Revival, but the Federal style also incorporates elements from Palladian, Georgian, and French Empire architecture..

West Door, St. Helena's Anglican Church - Beaufort, SC — Detail of Georgian/Federalist-style west door, with fan light. St. Helena's Anglican Church. 507 Newcastle Street, Beaufort, South Carolina, USA. Image credit: Holly Hayes

Quick Facts on Federalist

Go Historic ID

116

Getty AAT ID

300107905

Term Type

style

Dates

c. 1785-1820

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Description

The period and style between about 1785 to 1820 in the newly-founded United States. Actively promoted by Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Latrobe, the architecture of the Federal Period (known as Federalist or the Federal style) is based on the ideological conception of the United States as a new Roman Republic. It is thus primarily a form of Classical Revival, but the Federal style also incorporates elements from Palladian, Georgian, and French Empire architecture.

Definition

Refers to movement in America that flourished from around 1785 to 1820 based on the revival of Roman architectural styles in the design of government buildings. The movement, endorsed by Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Latrobe, is driven by the metaphorical concept of the United States as analogous to the Roman Republic in its grandeur and political philosophy.

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