Origins of the Georgian Colonial Style
The Georgian Colonial style emerged in the American colonies during the early 1700s, heavily influenced by the architecture of Great Britain under the reigns of King George I through George III, hence the name “Georgian.” This period was marked by a renewed interest in the classical principles of order, symmetry, and proportion, which were inspired by the architecture of ancient Rome and Renaissance Italy.
As British settlers brought these design principles to America, they adapted them to suit the needs and resources of the New World. The resulting homes were grand yet practical, reflecting the aspirations of the colonies’ growing middle and upper classes. By the mid-18th century, the Georgian Colonial style had become the dominant architectural form in the American colonies, particularly in the Northeast.
