French Second Empire

A number of major municipal buildings were designed in the French Second Empire style from around the 1860s to the 1880s. The style is primarily characterized by the mansard roof, which is flat on top and slopes down on the sides to encompass the uppers story. Second Empire buildings may or may not have a prominent tower.

French Second Empire Court House: Image courtesy of the University of Vermont Landscape Change Program and the University of Vermont Special Collections

French Second Empire Court House: Image courtesy of the City of Montpelier Historic Walking Tour