Architecture is the art or practice of designing and building .

             American architecture varies significantly from .

             architecture of the ancient world.

             American architecture began around the seventeenth century. .

             Settlers from different European countries brought with them, during .

             the North American colonization, the different techniques and forms .

             from their homelands. .

             Colonial architecture was adapted by the climate of the site .

             chosen, the availability of building materials, and supplies. Skilled .

             workers, particularly trained builders were a must. The general .

             poverty of the colonial settlers was also a factor. Colonial architecture .

             can be broke down into two types.

             New England settlers' architecture reflected the late Gothic .

             Inspiration, such as the gabled houses of wood. The houses also had .

             prominent brick chimney stacks. The south's chief building material .

             was brick. Many churches and statehouses reflected the classicness .

             of the eighteenth century English architecture.

             During the early 1730s a growing prosperity and commerce .

             Brought an influx of well-trained artisans to America. English .

             architectural books became more available.

             Protestant churches adopted and simplified the contemporary .

             English styles. Architects such as Christopher Wren and James Gibbs, .

             designed many of these churches. Two American examples of these .

             churches were Christ Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and St. .

             Paul's Chapel in New York City, New York.

             During the end of the colonial period, architectural styles .

             became more based on ancient Roman and Greek buildings. The .

             style coincided with the American Revolution, thus the neoclassical .

             style became very closely identified with the political values of the .

             young America.

             Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson gave .

             serious thought to architecture because they were deeply involved .

             with the planning and building preparations of Washington, D.C. Both .