Neoclassicism flourished in New England from the late 1700s through the 1800s as the young republic sought to establish its legitimacy in the civilized world.

The grandeur and monumentalism of the Neoclassical style attested to its builders' sobriety, worthiness and seriousness of purpose, and America's fitness to sit in council with other, older countries more directly linked to the classical age.

Unlike the Greek Revival style, which borrowed certain elements from classical architecture, Neoclassicism demanded strict adherence to the Greek and Roman aesthetic. The classical orders, and particularly the sober, severe Doric order, were preferred. Geometric forms were simple, walls were often blank, and columns were used for dramatic effect.

Courthouses, libraries, government buildings and similar worthy edifices were thus given gravitas, but Neoclassicism was not limited to the more lofty purposes.

—by Tom Brosnahan

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Colonial style Georgian style Federal Style Greek Revival Late 19th-century styles 20th-century Styles New England Architecture