Horatio Nelson White
Encyclopedia
Horatio Nelson White was an American architect.
He was one of New York State's most prominent architects from about 1865 to 1880. A resident of Syracuse, he designed many homes, armories, churches, and public buildings throughout sentralNew York State, included: The Hall of Languages at Syracuse University, the Oswego County Court House, the Syracuse High School, the Weiting Block in Syracuse, Oswego's City Hall, and many more.
White was born in Middletown, New Hampshire on February 8, 1814, White was named after Horatio Nelson, famous British Admiral and hero of the Battle of Trafalgar. Before moving to Syracuse in 1843, he worked as a carpenter and a builder in Andover, Massachusetts. Upon arrival in Syracuse, White immediately made a name for himself, earning high praises as the building contractor for the Church of the Messiah.
Following business reversals, White moved briefly to Brooklyn in 1847. In 1849 he set sail for San Francisco and worked in California during the 1849-1851 building boom and gold rush.
In 1851 White returned to his wife and daughter in Syracuse, paid off his creditors and established what was to become a highly successful architectural practice. In 1856 White was given the prestigious opportunity of designing the new Onondaga County Courthouse in Clinton Square. The resulting design was hailed as a resounding success and elements from it were utilized in several of his subsequent plans, including the designs for the Jefferson and Cemung County Courthouses.
White's reputation was growing as one of the best architects in Syracuse. Young architects came to Syracuse to study under him. One of these was Archmedes Russell, later to become professor of architecture at Syracuse University from 1873 through 1881.
In 1867, White designed the original Onondaga Savings Bank (now the Gridley Building). White adapted this style to the Hall of Languages, the first building constructed on the campus of Syracuse University.
White was engaged to design New York State armories in Syracuse, Dunkirk and Ballston Spa. He also designed Plymouth Congregational Church in Syracuse. White prepared designs for over 100 churches.
Although White undoubtedly designed many houses, the loss of his papers has obscured the identity of most of them. Accordingly, he is remembered mostly for his more monumental work. White's reputation remains to this day as one of the most distinguished architects to have been associated with Syracuse. White died in his home in 1892. His obituary referred to him as simply "the Venerable Architect".
Extant buildings which he designed and which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places
include:
He was one of New York State's most prominent architects from about 1865 to 1880. A resident of Syracuse, he designed many homes, armories, churches, and public buildings throughout sentralNew York State, included: The Hall of Languages at Syracuse University, the Oswego County Court House, the Syracuse High School, the Weiting Block in Syracuse, Oswego's City Hall, and many more.
White was born in Middletown, New Hampshire on February 8, 1814, White was named after Horatio Nelson, famous British Admiral and hero of the Battle of Trafalgar. Before moving to Syracuse in 1843, he worked as a carpenter and a builder in Andover, Massachusetts. Upon arrival in Syracuse, White immediately made a name for himself, earning high praises as the building contractor for the Church of the Messiah.
Following business reversals, White moved briefly to Brooklyn in 1847. In 1849 he set sail for San Francisco and worked in California during the 1849-1851 building boom and gold rush.
In 1851 White returned to his wife and daughter in Syracuse, paid off his creditors and established what was to become a highly successful architectural practice. In 1856 White was given the prestigious opportunity of designing the new Onondaga County Courthouse in Clinton Square. The resulting design was hailed as a resounding success and elements from it were utilized in several of his subsequent plans, including the designs for the Jefferson and Cemung County Courthouses.
White's reputation was growing as one of the best architects in Syracuse. Young architects came to Syracuse to study under him. One of these was Archmedes Russell, later to become professor of architecture at Syracuse University from 1873 through 1881.
In 1867, White designed the original Onondaga Savings Bank (now the Gridley Building). White adapted this style to the Hall of Languages, the first building constructed on the campus of Syracuse University.
White was engaged to design New York State armories in Syracuse, Dunkirk and Ballston Spa. He also designed Plymouth Congregational Church in Syracuse. White prepared designs for over 100 churches.
Although White undoubtedly designed many houses, the loss of his papers has obscured the identity of most of them. Accordingly, he is remembered mostly for his more monumental work. White's reputation remains to this day as one of the most distinguished architects to have been associated with Syracuse. White died in his home in 1892. His obituary referred to him as simply "the Venerable Architect".
Extant buildings which he designed and which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
include:
- in Syracuse:
- Hall of Languages, Syracuse UniversityHall of Languages, Syracuse UniversityThe Hall of Languages is a Syracuse University building designed by Horatio Nelson White and built in 1871-73. It is made of Onondaga limestone and features three large towers or cupolas...
- Grace Episcopal ChurchGrace Episcopal Church (Syracuse, New York)Grace Episcopal Church is an historic Gothic Revival church in Syracuse, New York. It was designed by Horatio Nelson White and was built in 1876. It is located at 819 Madison Avenue near Syracuse University. On March 20, 1973, it was listed on the National Register of Historic...
- Gridley BuildingGridley BuildingThe Gridley Building, built in 1867 and known previously as the Onondaga County Savings Bank Building, is a prominent historic building on Clinton Square and Hanover Square in Syracuse, New York...
- Hall of Languages, Syracuse University
- Oswego County CourthouseOswego County CourthouseOswego County Courthouse is a historic courthouse located at Oswego in Oswego County, New York. It was built in 1859-1860 and altered in 1891 and again in 1962. The two story building rises above a cruciform plan and is constructed of load bearing masonry walls faced with smooth ashlar limestone....
- Chemung County Courthouse ComplexChemung County Courthouse ComplexThe Chemung County Courthouse Complex consists of four buildings built between 1836 and 1899. The oldest building, built in 1836, is the District Attorney's and Treasurer's Building. The centerpiece, the courthouse itself, was designed by Horatio Nelson White, and built in 1861-62. These were...
- Jefferson County Courthouse ComplexJefferson County Courthouse ComplexJefferson County Courthouse Complex is a courthouse complex and national historic district located at Watertown in Jefferson County, New York. The district includes three contributing buildings; the courthouse building , Clerk's Office and Surrogate's Office . The courthouse building is a two...
- Oswego City HallOswego City HallOswego City Hall is a historic city hall located at Oswego in Oswego County, New York. It was built in 1870 and is a -story masonry, mansarded structure with a distinctive central clock tower. It was designed by noted architect Horatio Nelson White .It was listed on the National Register of...
- Webster Wagner HouseWebster Wagner HouseWebster Wagner House is a historic home located at Palatine Bridge in Montgomery County, New York. It was built in 1876 and designed by noted architect Horatio Nelson White as the home for railroad car magnate Webster Wagner . It consists of a -story main block with a 2-story rear service wing...
, 1876