Greek Revival

Black and white photo of the Greek Revival style (5GL.7.59)

Bradford Press House (5GL.7.59), Central City.

Greek Revival is very rare in Colorado and the few examples that exist date from between 1860 and the mid-1870s.  The style is more appropriately called Greek "Survival" because it is an unusually late appearance of a style that began in the Eastern United States in the 1820s and fell out of favor by 1860.  Colorado examples represent a late adoption of the style.

Black and white photo of the Greek Revival style

An example of the Greek Revival Style in Central City.

Elements characteristic of Greek Revival in Colorado include pedimented lintels and architraves over windows and doors, pilaster boards at the corners, engaged piers, transoms and sidelights surrounding entrances, and slim, refined Doric or Tuscan columns.

Most all Greek Revival buildings are wood-frame and clapboard sided, and they are predominately residential.  Most are found in the state’s early mining towns.

Black and white photo of a Greek Revival style home.

Thomas House, Central City

Common elements:

  1. pediment-shaped window head
  2. transom
  3. sidelights
  4. pilaster corner boards
  5. Doric or Tuscan columns

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