
The leading proponent of octagonal houses was Orson Squire Fowler. They may be seen as precursors, but are somewhat different from the Victorian octagon houses which are essentially domestic structures. While known as "The Octagon", it is worth noting that this particular building is not actually octagonal.īoth houses are large brick buildings in the classical tradition.

It is now the headquarters of the American Institute of Architects. After the White House was burned by the British during the War of 1812, President James Madison stayed in the Octagon House, and it was here that the Treaty of Ghent (ending the War of 1812) was signed.

Poplar Forest, Thomas Jefferson's private retreat and plantation house near Lynchburg, Virginia.6 Case study: Watertown Octagon House, Wisconsin.
