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Neoclassical architecture was extremely popular at the turn of the 19th century. These architectural forms carried special meaning to Americans in particular, who self-consciously modeled their political institutions upon those of classical Rome and ancient Athens. For plans and guidance, builders could turn to "The Country Builder's Assistant" by Asher Benjamin (1773-1845), an American-born architect. First published in 1806, Benjamin's book was in its sixth printing by 1827. The architectural features in Benjamin's book were extremely popular, especially in the Northeast. The Coleman-Hollister house in Greenfield, Massachusetts, designed and built by Asher Benjamin himself, is an excellent example of neoclassical architecture.

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