How to Recognize French Architecture in America

Since the birth of the US, French culture and art have had a profound impact. French architecture made its mark on American building early on in the country and the effects of the French style can still be seen today. From French Creole plantation houses of the South to modern homes all around the U.S., follow these steps to recognize French architecture in America.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. See the plantation house. One of easiest French influences to recognize is the French-styled plantation home. The large, symmetrical plantation homes of the South are easy to identify with their wide, gently sloping roof extensions, rows of plain support beams and timber frames filled out with brick. The long, thin porches and raised up living areas are also good ways to recognize this French architectural influence.
2. Look for the mansard roof. One of France's architectural gifts to America is the mansard roof. The roof has two vertical slopes on each of the four sides, with the lower slope being significantly steeper than the higher slope, sometimes even perpendicular. You can see the mansard roof on government buildings and Northeastern chateaus, frequently found on university campuses, that borrow from French architecture.
3. Recognize the French mansion. The popularity of the French mansion in the 19th century spread all over the world, including America. A few features such as the hipped roofs and flared eaves make the style easy to recognize. Look for an abundance of styled windows and carefully crafted and colored brick or stucco siding on multi-storied homes.
4. Know the Ecole des Beaux Arts. The Ecole was one of the major schools of French art and architecture. Many American architects studied under the masters of the Ecole. The result is Beaux-Arts architecture and design featuring beautiful, pale stone buildings that finclude ornate, classically inspired ornamentation such as sculpture. Take a look at the Marks Scout Resource Center in Philadelphia to recognize French architecture in America.