Allen-Blog1

It is true that early American architecture departed from the "Georgian" style by looking to emulate Roman and Greek forms in buildings.  As a result most state capitols are influenced by this trend and embrace in some form these styles.  A very good example of this is found in the legislative building of Washington state's Capital. A very distinctive trait of Greco-Roman influence in architecture is the use of Anthemion, or palmette in the design.  Palmette is "a decorative motif suggestive of a palm."

this use of palmette can be seen ornamenting the slanting roofline of the legislative building.


image from: http://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/washington/olympia/capitol/0044.jpg

This state building is modeled after Greek temples for the lower portion and topped with a Roman inspired dome that is "the highest masonry dome in North America."

Palmette is an architectural ornamentation that goes largely unnoticed and unappreciated in today's culture that can be seen almost everywhere for those who have eyes to see.

Primary Source: http://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/washington/olympia/capitol/capitol.html
Secondary: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/palmette