Architectural History of Montpelier, Vermont

By Zachary Hutchins

Brief History of Montpelier

• The first permanent settlement began in 1787 by Colonel Jacob Davis and General Parley Davis1. The town was named after the French city, Montpellier1. By 1791, the population of the quickly expanding town reached 117 citizens1. The village became the center of government and trade in 18181. In 1849, the Vermont Central Railroad opened in Montpelier, quickly making it a center for local manufacturing industries and granite processing1. The Winooski river provided water power for mills1. Presently, the town’s main businesses are government and tourism1.

Building Locations

Kellogg-Hubbard Library Exterior

Constructed of granite in the Italienate-style4

Large windows complemented with large, black window eaves provide the building with a sense of individuality amongst the surrounding structures.

Kellogg-Hubbard Library Exterior

Rounded bay windows above second floor add to the library’s distinct look.

Ionic and Corinthian columns flank the entrance, displaying Greek influence which is common in structures throughout the town

Kellogg-Hubbard Library Interior

Greek influence can be found throughout the interior of the library, such as these Corinthian columns.

Ornate carving and detailing can be seen throughout the ivory and granite displays within the library.

Kellogg-Hubbard Library Interior

Ivory copies of the Parthenon frieze and renaissance facades line the walls of the library4.

The use of natural and artificial lighting within the structure provides the building with a sense of welcome and relaxation.

Kellogg-Hubbard Library InteriorThe railings on the second floor are only one example of the ornate woodwork throughout the library.

The skylight-filled ceiling fills the structure with natural light, aiding readers and reducing lighting costs.

Additional Information

• The library was constructed in 18945

• In 2004, the library won the AIA Vermont Excellence in Architecture Award4

• The basement of the library was renovated in 1951 due to extensive damage caused by a flood5

• An addition was added to the back of the library in 1994, on the library’s hundred-year anniversary5

Vermont State House Exterior

The Vermont State House has been influenced by several different styles but is considered Greek Revival.

Constructed from Gray granite from Barre, Vermont and the remainders of the 2nd State house that it replaced.

Vermont State House Exterior

Dome is topped by Ceres, the Roman Goddess of Agriculture6.

Originally painted a dark red, the dome was not gilded until the 20th century6.

Ornate pediments placed on windows below dome

Vermont State House ExteriorTriglyphs along the State House’s Doric portico frieze, common in Roman architecture

Columns of the Doric order line the Portico, the only remaining piece of the previous state house.

Uses Crepidoma to raise structure off the ground.

Vermont State House Exterior

Quines were used on the corners of the State House to give the impression of strength and stability.

Pediments above each window add to the Greek appearance of the structure.

Vermont State House Interior

The entrance hall of the State House is of the Greek Ionic order, displaying several Ionic columns.

The entrance hall leads into this Doric corridor which houses 8 marble tablets with quotes reflecting Vermont’s culture.

Vermont State House Interior

The Representative’s Hall is located almost directly under the structure’s dome.

The large, open room reflects the Greek Ionic order, spacing Ionic columns between the large windows.

Additional Information

• The previous state house was almost completely destroyed by a fire in 18576.

• Designed by Thomas Silloway6.• The current structure was built in 1859 at a cost of

$150,0006.

Montpelier City Hall Exterior

Constructed in the style of the Italian Renaissance using yellow brick with granite trim.

Many of the structure’s windows sport simplistic window pediments made of granite.

Montpelier City Hall Exterior

Tower features a clock on three sides which didn’t chime for a long time

The clock tower displays lots of decorative molding and trim common to the Italian Renaissance and is completed by a small spire at its peak.

Montpelier City Hall Exterior

The building’s portico has three large arches carved out of granite. The central arch is repeated twice, Once over the semi-circular window and again towards the top of the tower.

Common amongst Renaissance buildings, everything on the building’s face is laid out in perfect symmetry.

Montpelier City Hall Interior

Ornamental woodwork and trim line hallways set with tile floors

The interior of the structure is flooded with artificial lighting necessary to provide light due to the building’s large size.

Montpelier City Hall Interior

Although the building was constructed in the style of the Italian Renaissance, Greek influence can still be found throughout the structure such as the Ionic columns seen flanking the entrance.

Additional Information

• Construction of the City Hall building was begun in 1909, the building was finally finished in 19111.

• At the dedication ceremony, Mayor Smith F. Ballard said, “Useful first, then beautiful, may this grand structure endure long after the memories of this day have passed”1.

• Has been the center of local government in Montpelier for more than 60 years1.

Green Mount Cemetery Chapel

Originally was going to be constructed of granite but due to high costs, marble was used instead2.

The Chapel was built in the Gothic Style

Green Mount Cemetery Chapel

Over the years, the Chapel has received wear, a bit of damage is noticeable here, to the right of the arch’s peak.

Typical of Gothic architecture, the arch in the center of the structure is slightly pointed.

Green Mount Cemetery Chapel

The windows of the chapel are thin and tall, as they are in much Gothic architecture.

The windows end with a slight point at the top, matching the curvature of the central arch

Green Mount Cemetery Chapel

Pinnacles top the central structure’s parapets

Ornamental scrollwork and carvings can be seen above the chapel’s arch.

The chapel’s bleak appearance coupled with the cemetery provides the area with a dreary feel and appearance

Green Mount Cemetery Chapel

Original heavy wooden doors still in place

The interior of the chapel consists of a marble altair, wooden pews and pulpit, a balcony, a vault, and retiring rooms for the families2.

Additional Information

• Designed by Cleveland & Godfrey2.• The chapel was constructed in 1906 by J.W.

Domsife2.• Total cost for the construction of the chapel

was $32,4722.• Serves as the main entrance to the Green

Mount Cemetery and one of its grandest monuments.

Bibliography• 1. A Walk Through Montpelier by Reidun D. Nuquist and Marilyn S. Blackwell• 2. A Second Walk Through Montpelier by Reidun D. Nuquist and Marilyn S. Blackwell• 3. www.Wikipedia.org/wiki/Montpelier,_Vermont• 4. Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing• 5. http://www.central-vt.com/towns/library/Montpelr.htm• 6. http://www.central-vt.com/web/sthouse/index.html