The American Revolutionary War took place between the thirteen well-known North American colonies and the British Empire between the years of 1775 and 1783. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by Congress and the United States of America was established. The time period from the end of the 1780s until the turn of that century was known as the Federalist Era, due to the prominence of Federalists, who supported George Washington, as opposed to Thomas Jefferson.
During the War, a new architectural style was introduced to the United States. The style began as the Adam Style, which was named for the Scottish brothers, Robert and James Adam. The Adam brothers had study ancient monuments and used this style as inspiration for their own style. Soon, the architectural style evolved, incorporating features from Palladian and Georgian architecture, whose buildings used strict symmetry. This style remained popular until the early 1800s. Due to the time period, the spin off became known as Federalist-style architecture. (Pictured right: Federal Style Home in Silver Lake, Staten Island)
Federal building and home architectural style often have low-pitched roofs, which
have stone balustrades atop. Possibly the most distinguishable feature, however, would be the simplicity of the building's proportions alongside the intricate ornamentation. For example, Federal-style buildings more often than not have swags. These swags are often carved, and can be seen just about everywhere on the structure.
There are a few buildings on Staten Island that are of Federal-style architecture. One fine example would be the house built by Jacob Crocheron by around 1819. The home was constructed in Eltingville's western community of Greenridge. In 1987, it was moved from its original site to Historic Richmondtown. It now sits on Richmond Road, opposite a Carriage and Wagon Manufactory, and between Court Place and St. Patrick's Place. Federal Style Homes are popular in many sections of Staten Island including Ward Hill, Randall Manor, Silver Lake, Grymes Hill and Todt Hill.
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