Greek Architecture in New York

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When studying an ancient culture, it is important for one to comprehend the many unique elements that make up that culture. The study of architecture enables historians to deepen their understanding of a culture and identify the modern influences of that society. Architecture is an essential aspect of ancient Greek culture and its long lasting influence is evident in most cities today. The Greek Revival style dominated American architecture during the nineteenth century. Many prosperous citizens believed that the ancient Greece architecture embodied the spirit of democracy. When analyzing the architecture of New York City, one will find many examples of Greek Revival architecture, the most notable examples being the Old Custom House on 28 Wall Street, the first National City Bank building on 55 Wall Street, and Saint Peter’s Church at 22 Barclay Street.
The Old Custom House located on 28 Wall Street was built by Ithiel Town and Alexander Jackson Davis in 1833.It is made of stone and has a distinctive Greek Revival style of architecture. It was carved from marble in Westchester County, New York. The columns are of the Doric order and the building resembles a simplified version of the Parthenon. The building is of great historical significance because it is the sight of George Washington’s presidential inauguration. The strong Greek Revival style embodied the American spirit of democracy. Federal Hall has been the location of government activity for hundreds of years. In the years following the Revolutionary War, New York became the young nation’s capital. In 1789 the building was renovated and became the nation’s first Capitol building. Today’s Supremce Court, Department of State, Defense and the Treasury all trace their roots ba...

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...ies of the U.S.

Works Cited
Andrews, Wayne. Architecture, Ambition and Americans; a Social History of American Architecture. New York: Free of Glencoe, 1964. Print.
"Federal Hall National Memorial." Nyc-architecture.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Mar. 2014.
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Fletcher, Tom. "New York Architecture." Http://nyc-architecture.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2014. .
"The Merchants' Exchange." Lookze.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Mar. 2014.
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"Old St. Peter's Parish." Http://stpetersrcnyc.org/. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Mar. 2014.
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"U.S. Custom House." GreatBuildings.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2014. .

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