INTRODUCTION TO PERIOD STYLES: During the late 1800s, European-trained architects designed highstyle period houses for the wealthy. Each period style identifies specifically with an architecture of an earlier period and place: either early American or European precedents. Six popular period styles are included on these web sites, though other, less common period styles also appeared. During this time (mostly between 1900 and 1929), accuracy of styles became important once again, unlike Queen Anne style, which borrowed from a variety of sources. Most Important, period styles look to the past for inspiration. The trend toward period architecture gained momentum from the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, the Columbian Exposition, where historical interpretations of European styles were encouraged. Simultaneous to the rise of period-style architecture, the modern era saw its beginnings with architects who were instead looking to the future, not the past, with more progressive, modernist styles. Thus defines the eclectic movement of the early 20th century, which consisted of a simultaneous and perhaps competing interest in both modern and historic architectural traditions.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND FEATURES: Beaux-Arts style (Les beaux-arts - the fine arts - Ecole des Beaux-Arts in France) was advocated by Americans who studied at the Ecole. The style emphasized classical (Greek) forms and styles, elaborate detailing, massive plans, heavy masonry. Mostly used for grand public and institutional buildings, and the private homes of America's industrial barons. The primary inspiration for this style was Chicago's Columbian Exposition (known as the Great White City) in 1893. Thus, many of the early, prominent examples of Beaux Arts can be dated to within a decade of the turn of the 20th century.

PHOTO LOCATIONS AND DESCRIPTIONS (based on info available)

1. Washington, D.C. Union Station.
2. Washington, D.C. Close-up of Greek/Classical detailing on Union Station.
3. Charlotte, NC. City Hall.
4. Boston, MA. South Station, c.1898.
5. Penn State University Campus, State College, PA. Schwab Auditorium, c.1903.
6. Prescott, AZ. County courthouse, c.1926 (roughly)
7. Riverside, CA. Riverside County Courthouse, c.1903.
8. Riverside, CA. Riverside County Courthouse, c. 1903, back side of building.
9-13. Kansas City Union Station, c.1906-1914. Plans for Union Station began with the commissioning of Architect Jarvis Hunt in 1901, who envisioned a grand building in the Beaux-Arts style of New York's Grand Central Terminal or Penn Station. Recently renovated, Union Station now once again serves Amtrak trains from Los Angeles, Chicago, and St. Louis.
14. Savannah, GA
15. San Francisco, CA.