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The Big House: Icons of America

Ralph Waldo Emerson

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The Big House is a term used to describe large, luxurious homes that were built by wealthy Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These homes were often designed in the Beaux-Arts style, and they featured opulent interiors with high ceilings, grand staircases, and elaborate moldings. The Big House was a symbol of wealth and status, and it served as a setting for lavish parties and social gatherings. Today, many of these homes have been converted into museums or historic landmarks, and they offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Gilded Age.

The Rise of the Big House

The Big House emerged as a symbol of wealth and status in the late 19th century. The Industrial Revolution had created a new class of wealthy Americans, and these individuals sought to display their wealth through their homes. The Big House was a way to show off one's wealth and power, and it served as a setting for lavish parties and social gatherings. The homes were often built in the Beaux-Arts style, which was popular at the time. This style was characterized by its grand scale, opulent interiors, and elaborate ornamentation. The Big House was a reflection of the Gilded Age, a period of great economic growth and social change in the United States.

The Big House (Icons of America)

by Ian McPhedran

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The Architecture of the Big House

The Big House was typically a large, imposing structure. The homes were often built of brick or stone, and they featured grand facades with elaborate ornamentation. The interiors were equally opulent, with high ceilings, grand staircases, and elaborate moldings. The rooms were often decorated with expensive furniture, artwork, and tapestries. The Big House was a showcase of wealth and luxury, and it was a symbol of the Gilded Age.

The Lifestyle of the Big House

The Big House was a setting for lavish parties and social gatherings. The owners of these homes often hosted elaborate balls, dinners, and receptions. The guests at these events were typically wealthy and influential members of society. The Big House was a place to see and be seen, and it was a symbol of the Gilded Age lifestyle. The owners of these homes often lived in a world of luxury and privilege, and they were surrounded by the finest things that money could buy. The Big House was a reflection of the Gilded Age, a period of great economic growth and social change in the United States.

The Legacy of the Big House

Today, many of the Big Houses have been converted into museums or historic landmarks. These homes offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Gilded Age. The Big House is a reminder of the wealth and power that was concentrated in the hands of a few individuals during this period of American history. These homes are a fascinating look at the past, and they offer a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy and influential members of society. The Big House is a symbol of America's Gilded Age, and it is a reminder of the great economic growth and social change that took place during this period.

The Big House is an iconic symbol of America's Gilded Age. These large, luxurious homes were built by wealthy Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The homes were often designed in the Beaux-Arts style, and they featured opulent interiors with high ceilings, grand staircases, and elaborate moldings. The Big House was a symbol of wealth and status, and it served as a setting for lavish parties and social gatherings. Today, many of these homes have been converted into museums or historic landmarks, and they offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Gilded Age.

The Big House (Icons of America)

by Ian McPhedran

5 out of 5