February 8, 2007
Chesapeake Bay Architecture - Early Colonial* homes
Chesapeake Bay homes serve as examples of the rich cultural and historic structures that exemplify early American life on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, primarily in the towns of Easton, Oxford and Saint Michaels, Talbot County. There are also exceptional examples in Chestertown, Kent County.
Georgian 1700-1830
This was the dominant style in the English colonies from 1700 to 1780 and locally to 1830, named for four King Georges of England, They were classic formal structures of brick or stone, side gabled, one or two stories high, and one to two rooms deep. American versions were often made of wood with clapboards and fewer ornamental finishes. Georgian classicism was most heavily influence by
Palladianism, a philosophy of design based on the writings and work of Andreas Palladio, an Italian architect of the 16th century who tried to recreate the style and proportions of the buildings of ancient Rome. Georgian homes are refined and symmetrical with paired chimneys and a decorative crown over the front door. Doors and windows were aligned vertically and horizontally in strict symmetry and never paned. Most feature an orderly row of five windows across the second story. The front doors were usually paneled and surrounded by twin columns and capped with a decorative crown and glass transom. Later versions added dormers and decorative features.
Palladianism, a philosophy of design based on the writings and work of Andreas Palladio, an Italian architect of the 16th century who tried to recreate the style and proportions of the buildings of ancient Rome. Georgian homes are refined and symmetrical with paired chimneys and a decorative crown over the front door. Doors and windows were aligned vertically and horizontally in strict symmetry and never paned. Most feature an orderly row of five windows across the second story. The front doors were usually paneled and surrounded by twin columns and capped with a decorative crown and glass transom. Later versions added dormers and decorative features. Federal (Adam) 1780-1840
The Federal style became very popular for both homes and commercial structures and it was based on the English neo-classic design. Realistically it is the Adam Period because it was a development and refinement of the Georgian style of the work produced by the fashionable architects, the Adam brothers in Scotland, and popularized by the wealthy class in o
r near the major American seaports. Look for a more stylistic design, often with attached wings of dependencies, that were curved or polygonal projections two or more rooms deep. Federal homes sport symmetrical facades with central entranceways and foyers. Sitting rooms and bedrooms lead off from these halls. An equal number of windows flank each side of the door and the windows tend to have small panes, owing to the difficulty of making large glass sheets at the time. The windows are usually equipped with shutters. Federal roofs, sometimes shielded behind balustrades, are either hipped (sloped on all four sides) or central or side gabled (straight slope from ridge to eave). Facades are fairly smooth, only broken up by small porches. Cornices usually sport decorations, often tooth-like shapes called dentils. Notable features changes were fan lights over the door, more elaborate details around the doors and windows and Palladian windows.
r near the major American seaports. Look for a more stylistic design, often with attached wings of dependencies, that were curved or polygonal projections two or more rooms deep. Federal homes sport symmetrical facades with central entranceways and foyers. Sitting rooms and bedrooms lead off from these halls. An equal number of windows flank each side of the door and the windows tend to have small panes, owing to the difficulty of making large glass sheets at the time. The windows are usually equipped with shutters. Federal roofs, sometimes shielded behind balustrades, are either hipped (sloped on all four sides) or central or side gabled (straight slope from ridge to eave). Facades are fairly smooth, only broken up by small porches. Cornices usually sport decorations, often tooth-like shapes called dentils. Notable features changes were fan lights over the door, more elaborate details around the doors and windows and Palladian windows.Early Classical Revival 1770-1830
Championed by Thomas Jefferson, this architectural style was a popular estate home as well as a model for public buildings. The most 
notable feature was a large entry (portico) dominating the façade, usually an elaborate porch supported with columns. Early Classical Revival houses usually had one story wings on each side, in the style of the Italian Renaissance Palladium concept (three part plan).
notable feature was a large entry (portico) dominating the façade, usually an elaborate porch supported with columns. Early Classical Revival houses usually had one story wings on each side, in the style of the Italian Renaissance Palladium concept (three part plan).*Architectural historians argue that a true “Colonial” building must have been constructed before the American Revolution (1776). Any structure built afterwards is considered a “Colonial style.”
most renowned area, even though it is still largely rural and unimproved. Our portion of the Delmarva Peninsula is dotted with historic towns that trace their roots to the 1600’s. Intertwined between these settlements are rural landscapes, wetlands, and waterways, creating a culture of farming and fishing that is unique even today.
of four counties - Southern Queen Anne’s, Eastern Caroline, all of Talbot, and Northern Dorchester. The center of this attraction is Talbot County which is famous for its charming countryside, quaint towns and peaceful villages, surrounded by farms, forests and open land. The historical towns of Easton, St. Michaels and Oxford lie along the Chesapeake Bay, with its abundant rivers, creeks and coves that have created hundreds of miles of waterfront. It is no wonder that this region attracts so many visitors and seasonal homeowners. Tidewater residents, both human and wildlife, have long realized that the Mid Shore is one of the finest places in America to call home. 
heath problems. Unfortunately, many hardware stores sell products specifically made for closing the vents, adding to the confusion of this potentially harmful misconception.
In an effort to determine which qualities an American Dreamtown should have, Bizjournals looked for metropolitan areas which have a small diverse community with a strong local economy, light traffic, a well educated population, a moderate cost of living and access to a large metropolitan area. Easton, Maryland received the fourth highest marks as the best place to live in America.
as well as its rich colonial legacy. A walk through the town will introduce you to many charming shops, beautiful shade trees, gardens and brick walls, along with a delightful blend of old buildings and homes. Modern Easton is an arts and cultural center, popular for its museums, art galleries, antique stores, unique gift shops, and a performing arts center, the Avalon Theater. It is the hub of activity amongst the neighboring communities along the magnificent Miles and Tred Avon Rivers. 
ter – in this case the Chesapeake Bay which is fed by more than 150 rivers and creeks as well as thousands of minor tributaries. Our bay is an estuary where fresh and tidal salt water mix. It is surrounded by a vast watershed of 64,000 square miles involving five states and the District of Columbia. The 190 mile long Chesapeake supports extraordinary ecosystems that support 3600 species of plants and animals and living in diverse habitats. With 12,000 miles of shore line, it’s no wonder, that the bay attracts more than a million wildfowl a year and hosts a major fish and shellfish industry, notably the blue crabs, oysters and striped bass. The Chesapeake region provided a unique haven for early habitants, explorers, settlers from Great Britain and the Continent and presently it is a magnet for their many descendants along with thousands of others who are attracted to our “faire shores.” It is no wonder that this region attracts so many visitors and seasonal home owners. Tidewater residents, both human and wildlife, have long realized that the Eastern Shore of Maryland is one of the finest places in America to call home.