Background
Gideon Shryock was born in 1802 in Lexington, Kentucky, United States.
Gideon Shryock was born in 1802 in Lexington, Kentucky, United States.
With a talent for design, and a desire to become an architect, he persuaded his father to allow him to study under William Strickland in Philadelphia, and in 1823 set out (on horse-back) for the journey. After entering Mr. Strickland's office the young man pursued his studies for a year and upon his return to Lexington began architectural work. He designed in the classic style many fine houses for the wealthy planters of the Blue Grass region of Kentucky as well as public buildings in the cities. Those that still survive are outstanding examples of early nineteenth century Greek Revival
One of Shryock s first important buildings was the old State Capitol at Frankfort, built c.l828 m the form of a Greek Temple. This was followed a ew years later by the building known as Morrison College at Lexington dating from 1830, now on the campus of Transylvania College. About the same time he designed the old State Capitol at Little Rock. Ark., one of the finest Classic buildings in the state. Begun in 1835, with the work in charge of George Weigert.
Mr. Shryock also did work in Louisville, Ky., where he designed the Jefferson County Court House and the Southern National Bank Building, both dating from the mid 1830s.
State Capitol at Little Rock. Ark
(one of the finest Classic buildings in the state)
Jefferson County Court House, Louisville