The Victorian era brought extensive railroad systems, the first World’s Fair, Charles Darwin’s The Origin of Species and significant advancements in women’s rights. Across the pond, the United States also benefited from Queen Victoria’s influence with a new style of architecture, the aptly-named Victorian.

	Victorians were artistically rich and ornate, similar to the lavish entertaining practices of the time.

Victorian homes are as artistically rich and interesting as the era in which they were built. While some may be larger and more ornate than others, all of these homes are relics of an important period in American history. While the Victorian era in America is generally considered to be from the mid-1800s to 1914, homes were built in this style until the 1940s. Due to the lavish entertaining of the time, home were built to exude wealth and prestige both inside and out and designed to impress guests. 

Several styles of Victorian homes are common in the United States. The Folk Victorian, Queen Anne and the Gothic Revival style — all commonly known as Victorians — each have their own loveable quirks. 

Americans, particularly those in the middle-class, had the urge to live just as fashionably as their upper crust counterparts. In the Victorian era, this was now possible. With the industrial revolution and mass production, homeowners could more easily afford decorative architectural trim. And with the advent of the railways, smaller towns could now obtain sophisticated woodworking machinery.

Often, homeowners would design the home themselves and then hire a local carpenter to assist in the building process. While the home would be smaller and possibly less ornate than those of the wealthier, style was still important. Many times, one would wind up with a combination of styles, elements from the wealthier and elements added by the individual. 

San Francisco is one American city that has a large population of Victorian homes, drawing architectural buffs and tourists from across the globe.

The Folk Victorian is the most common Victorian style in the U.S. This particular style often was built using personal plans and a local carpenter rather than an army of workers and an architect. 

Because of its affordability, it was a common choice for the middle-class. Elements of style fashionable among the wealthy at the time were incorporated as were personal, often less expensive touches.

These homes, typically a bit smaller and less ornate, generally don’t feature the balconies or large bay windows of the Queen Annes, which came into vogue a few decades later.

The Queen Anne style ruled Victorian architecture in America from roughly 1880 to the late 1900’s.  This style of Victorian is often known for its obvious excess in design.  Large bay windows, porches and unique trim are standard. These homes often have textured surfaces and feature decorative wood and stone patterns, and some feature decorative stained glass. The wraparound front porch, a Queen Anne detail, maintained its popularity well beyond the end of the Queen Anne-style period. Queen Anne-style homes are also known for the rainbow of rich colors that adorn their exteriors. During the Victorian era, darker colors were more fashionable. Deep browns and earthy reds adorned many a home in the Queen Anne style as did dark greens and dark yellows. Not until the 1960s and 1970s did people begin repainting these houses in the brighter colors they often wear today.  

One of the most famous examples of the Queen Anne style is the William M. Carson Mansion located in Eureka, Calif.  This home, built in 1884, is considered to be the best example of Queen Anne-style architecture in the U.S. and features 18 lavish rooms. The Carson Mansion was built for one of California’s first lumber barons, William M. Carson. Carson employed a staff of 100 workers during the building process, keeping them paid and employed during an economic downturn in the lumber business. 

The Gothic Revival style was the first Victorian style home to be built in America and started around 1840. Gothic Revival homes are known for high pitched roofs and elaborate trim along roof edges. The style is loosely based on medieval castles and cathedrals. Gothic Revival eventually gave way to the Queen Anne-style Victorian home. This style of Victorian is often seen in Midwestern farming communities and New England. 

Eventually, the Victorian era gave way to the Arts and Crafts movement which led America back to simplicity and away from the ornate excess of the Victorians. These homes, however, will always hold a special place in American history, particularly in such cities as San Francisco, where the unique Victorian architecture draws millions of tourists annually.
  
[ return to top ]