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The Pursuit of the Pastoral Ideal
After 1700, Virginians began to define themselves differently and to accept their rural settlement. The absence of an urban society and diverse economy were no longer embarrassing. The dream of an idyllic pastoral world -- currently a goal in contemporary Britain -- was readily available in Virginia. Planters came to believe that their colony should be appreciated rather than criticized for its rurality.
Taking the Lead in Architecture
The colony's celebrated Georgian (colonial) mansions -- long recognized as a significant contribution of American culture -- demonstrate the importance to Virginia planters of modeling their hoes on those of their contemporaries in England. By using Roman design elements and building near tranquil rivers, they hoped Virginia might no longer be considered a backwater outpost but rather a remote part of England. |