Henry Hobson Richardson (1838 – 1886)
Famous for designing massive stone buildings with semicircular “Roman” arches, Henry Hobson Richardson developed a late Victorian style that became known as Richardsonian Romanesque, a style featuring semicircular “Roman” arches set in massive stone walls.
During his short life, Henry Hobson Richardson designed churches, courthouses, train stations, libraries, and other important civic buildings.
Henry Hobson Richardson is known as the “First American Architect” because he broke away from European traditions and designed buildings that stood out as truly original. Also Henry Hobson Richardson was only the second American to receive formal training in architecture. (The first was Richard Morris Hunt.)
Notable Buildings:
1883-1888: Allegheny County Courthouse, Pittsburgh, PA
1872-1877: Trinity Church, Boston, MA
1885-1887: Glessner House, Chicago, IL
