Colonial Architecture in Texas (LSP Series)

Earlier this month I posted how there would be a series of blogs highlighting the New England lifestyle deep in the heart of Texas... here is the first installment!

Texas colonial architecture is usually synonymous with Spanish styles, thanks to the colonization of the area by Spain (as well as the French) at the same time England was spreading its empire along the East Coast.  Spanish colonial architecture is evident throughout the state, particularly in the form of the Spanish missions in South Texas.  However, even though Texas was not colonized by the English, their design influences are without any doubt part of the architectural landscape here.

Colonial architecture is defined by styles used prior to the American Revolution and the most prominent style was Georgian, named for the King Georges who ruled England (the most notable for our history was King George III who famously imposed "taxation without representation" on the American colonists following the French and Indian War, sparking the War for Independence).  The first example of Georgian architecture in America is the Wren Building on the College of William and Mary campus in Virginia, the second oldest university in the country; construction began in 1695 and was completed in 1700.

Here in Texas, Georgian architecture popped up during the Georgian Revival period (also known as Colonial Revival) during the late 1800s and early 1900s, as part of a movement to link modern buildings to our British heritage.  Here are some examples of what would be commonplace in New England... in the Lone Star State!

The Texas Federation of Women's Clubs (Austin)

Photo courtesy of http://www.commons.wikimedia.org/

Thistle Hill (Fort Worth)
Photo courtesy of Historic Fort Worth, Inc.

Scottish Rite Dorm at the University of Texas (Austin)

Photo courtesy of http://www.wikipedia.org/

Fondren Science Hall at Southern Methodist University (Dallas)

Photo courtesy of Southern Methodist University Science Faculty

Thomas J. and Mary Donoghue House (Houston)

Photo courtesy of http://www.petermansbendel.com/

Georgian architecture can also be seen in historic homes such as San Antonio's Monte Vista neighborhood, Fort Worth's Colonial neighborhood, Dallas' Highland Park and Houston Heights.