St. Joseph Cathedral and the American Gothic

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Authors
Norviel, Rebekah
Advisor
Rarick, Ronald D.
Issue Date
2013-12
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (B.?.)
Department
Honors College
Other Identifiers
Abstract

Gothic architecture was made famous by the great European cathedrals from the 12th through 16th centuries. Surviving into the 18th century, the Gothic style began to appear in American architecture and became the preferred choice for ecclesiastical buildings. Decades of development, the influence of materials, urbanization, and immigration shaped the American Gothic Revival and created a distinct style. In Columbus, Ohio, St. Joseph Cathedral is a result of such development, and its consecration in 1878 makes it an early example of major Gothic Revival architecture in Ohio. By studying St. Joseph Cathedral firsthand, researching its history, and comparing it to American Gothic precursors, various characteristics that are typically found in the American Gothic Revival become apparent as well as several deviations from the standard.