Neoclassical

(Charleston, South Carolina) This U.S. National Historic Landmark Courthouse was built in 1790. Designed by Architect James Hoban, it was the precursor to his most famous building, the U.S. White House! Both buildings were inspired by the Palace of Duke Leinster in Dublin. Hoban himself an Irishman met with George Washington during his Southern Tour in May 1791 and was summoned to Philadelphia for a design competition for the presidential mansion in Washington, D.C. Neoclassical in style, the building is characterized by grand scale, simplicity of geometric forms, Doric order and a preference for blank walls. A major difference between this Courthouse and the White House is the 3-story façade, nine bays across vs. the Washington preferred 2-story façade, eleven bays across.