Canadian Historic Sites: Occasional Papers in Archaeology and History No. 24

Second Empire Style in Canadian Architecture

by Christina Cameron and Janet Wright

Abstract

Second Empire as an architectural style is most easily recognized by its mansard or broken roof and its rich sculptural ornamentation. Originally associated with the court of Emperor Napoleon III of France, this florid style reached Canada by way of the United States and, to a lesser extent, via England. The most sophisticated examples of Second Empire design are to be found in major public and institutional buildings erected in Canada during the 1870s and 1880s. During this period, it became the height of fashion for domestic building, ranging in variety from high-style residences in the cities to simple vernacular interpretations in more remote areas of the country. By the end of the century, however, Second Empire, as an architectural style, ceased to influence Canadian architects and builders.

Submitted for publication 1977, by Christina Cameron and Janet Wrignt, Canadian Inventory of Historic Building, Parks Canada, Ottawa.