The Courthouse and the Depot: The Architecture of Hope in an Age of Despair : A Narrative Guide to Railroad Expansion and Its Impact on Public Architecture in Georgia, 1833-1910

Rating:
Summary: An essential collection of Georgia architectural history
Review: Mr. Caldwell, an "independent" historian, has provided us an exaustive and accurate compendium of the architectural and social history of Georgia in the 19th century. He has reviewed and cross-referenced the hundreds of sketchy local histories in Georgia and has noted the background and history of the creation of every Georgia county and railroad from 1800-1911, and how the railroad shaped the aspirations or distrust of Georgia's communities.

He notes how the influence of Northern "carpetbaggers" led to the development of many of Ga's reconstruction railroads and the erection of its many distinctive high-style courthouses. The influence of Bostonian H.H. Richardson on Georgia architects Gloucke and Bruce & Morgan is prevalent as well.

Interestingly, Mr. Caldwell is intent on revealing what he sees as the truth behind the "myths" of the Old and New South and how those myths are related through railroad development (the equivalent of a 19th century interstate highway) and public architecture. His conclusion that the creation of post-civil war railroads and the promise of Northern investment was nothing more than a sham in most cases is very unique and interesting and deserves further study.

This book is less about the specifics of architecture but basically provides a clearer view of rural southern history, and provides a useful collection of the local history of 159+ counties in Georgia. There are a few spelling errors, and could have used a few color plates, but the book is well made.

This book is a must for any Georgia architect, landscape architect, and historic preservationist. It also could be of use to a few politicians in order for them to better understand the background of thier own GA communities. Of course, armchair historians and lovers of southern history will enjoy it as well.

Rating:
Summary: Superb historical railroad station architecture survey.
Review: The Courthouse And The Depot: A Narrative Guide To Railroad Expansion And Its Impact On Public Architecture In Georgia 1833-1910 by Wilber W. Caldwell is an exhaustive catalogue of 19th century public architecture in Georgia and all the railroad lines that criss-crossed the state during this period. A wealth of Deep South history illustrated throughout with black and white photographs. The Courthouse And The Depot uses the unique framework of architecture to substantially narrate a significant stretch of Georgian state history, and how the coming of the railroad changed everything for the future. A fascinating and superbly presented wealth of information about changing times over a century ago, The Courthouse And The Depot is highly recommended reading for American history, architecture, and railroading reading lists and reference collections.