Many other architects had made an impact in American history during the 1800s, such as Benjamin Henry Latrobe, who is considered by many the “Father of American architecture”. His most famous works include the Baltimore Basilica, the first Catholic Cathedral built in America, and the United States Capitol building. Born in England on May 1st, 1764, he came to America in 1796 and lived in Virginia, later moving to Philadelphia where he began his work as an architect. While living in Europe, Benjamin went to attend school in Saxony at the age of 12. In 1785, he enrolled into the Prussian army but after suffering from some injuries, he returned to England and then later moved to the United States. Later into his very successful career in the United States, Thomas Jefferson appointed him Surveyor of the Public Buildings in 1803. After the Capitol was burned by the British in 1814, he was assigned to rebuild it, but resigned in 1817, after which Charles Bullfinch took the project over. Benjamin Latrobe passed away in New Orleans, Louisiana on September 3rd. He was in then involved in a project that was to supply New Orleans with water. Being a part of many important buildings in American history and even being recognized by Thomas Jefferson as a great architect, it's easy to see how Benjamin Latrobe was an important person when it came to American architecture in the 1800s.
Citations
"Benjamin Henry Latrobe." Wikipedia. N.p., 5 Dec. 2009. Web. 6 Dec. 2009.
"Famous Americans." Virtualology. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Dec. 2009.
