If American architecture could be summed up in one feature, it would be the cupola. Cupolas are such an integral part of early American architecture that nearly every capital and historic building boasts one. Their influence is still reflected in modern buildings, and many homeowners and business owners choose to incorporate custom cupolas to add beauty to their rooflines.
Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg
Every year, people flock to Gettysburg to tour the site of the bloodiest battle ever fought on American soil. One of the most popular spots to visit is Schmucker Hall at Lutheran Theological Seminary. From the strategic vantage point of its famous cupola, Union General John Buford witnessed the beginning of the three day long battle. It was also from this cupola that Buford hailed the timely arrival of Major General John Reynolds and his troops. Thousands of Civil War enthusiasts climb to the cupola every year to imagine themselves in Buford’s place.
Mount Vernon, Virginia
George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate houses one of the most well-known mansions in America, with a million visitors flocking to see it every year. Washington oversaw each renovation of the mansion personally, even during the Revolutionary War. What began as a one-and-a half-story farmhouse grew into a refined 21-room home, reflecting Washington’s rising status from Virginia gentleman farmer to first president of a new nation.
The beautiful window cupola was added in 1774. While Washington was presiding over the Constitutional Convention in 1787 he commissioned architect Joseph Rakestraw to build a weathervane for the new cupola: a dove of peace, shown flying with an olive branch in its beak. The original weathervane was put on display in a museum in 1993 and a replica now stands in its place.
U.S. Capitol Building, Washington, D.C.
Perhaps the most famous building in the United States is the U.S. Capitol Building. The crowning glory of this impressive structure is its cast iron dome and cupola. Rather than a weathervane, this cupola is capped with the Statue of Freedom. What you see today is actually the second dome: the first was made of wood, and was deemed to be both a fire hazard and too small for the building. It was removed in 1856 and the second dome’s construction was completed in 1866.
Valley Forge Cupolas Offers Quality, American-made Custom Cupolas
Valley Forge Weathervanes and Cupolas continues the glorious tradition of American cupolas by bringing affordable custom cupolas to homes, businesses, and garages around the country. We are the cupola specialists, with over 15 years in the business. We work one-on-one with customers to design the cupola of their dreams, with 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
If you would like to add classic American beauty and elegance to your roofline, call us today at 866-400-1776 and see how easy it is to add a cupola to your home.
Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg
Every year, people flock to Gettysburg to tour the site of the bloodiest battle ever fought on American soil. One of the most popular spots to visit is Schmucker Hall at Lutheran Theological Seminary. From the strategic vantage point of its famous cupola, Union General John Buford witnessed the beginning of the three day long battle. It was also from this cupola that Buford hailed the timely arrival of Major General John Reynolds and his troops. Thousands of Civil War enthusiasts climb to the cupola every year to imagine themselves in Buford’s place.
Mount Vernon, Virginia
George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate houses one of the most well-known mansions in America, with a million visitors flocking to see it every year. Washington oversaw each renovation of the mansion personally, even during the Revolutionary War. What began as a one-and-a half-story farmhouse grew into a refined 21-room home, reflecting Washington’s rising status from Virginia gentleman farmer to first president of a new nation.
The beautiful window cupola was added in 1774. While Washington was presiding over the Constitutional Convention in 1787 he commissioned architect Joseph Rakestraw to build a weathervane for the new cupola: a dove of peace, shown flying with an olive branch in its beak. The original weathervane was put on display in a museum in 1993 and a replica now stands in its place.
U.S. Capitol Building, Washington, D.C.
Perhaps the most famous building in the United States is the U.S. Capitol Building. The crowning glory of this impressive structure is its cast iron dome and cupola. Rather than a weathervane, this cupola is capped with the Statue of Freedom. What you see today is actually the second dome: the first was made of wood, and was deemed to be both a fire hazard and too small for the building. It was removed in 1856 and the second dome’s construction was completed in 1866.
Valley Forge Cupolas Offers Quality, American-made Custom Cupolas
Valley Forge Weathervanes and Cupolas continues the glorious tradition of American cupolas by bringing affordable custom cupolas to homes, businesses, and garages around the country. We are the cupola specialists, with over 15 years in the business. We work one-on-one with customers to design the cupola of their dreams, with 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
If you would like to add classic American beauty and elegance to your roofline, call us today at 866-400-1776 and see how easy it is to add a cupola to your home.
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