The best way to learn about historic houses is to look at them closely, and the most fun way to look at them closely is to do a puzzle showing a wonderful historic house! So, we made a unique and interesting collection of Historic House Puzzles for you to enjoy!
The defining feature of a Second Empire style building is the Mansard roof. Typically called a French roof in the U.S. during the 19th century, it was popular when all things French (including the language) were “en vogue” for fashionable middle and upper class Americans. Patterned colored slate was often used on the roof, as seen on this Harrisburg, PA example. From the eave line down, Second Empire buildings are essential Italianate in style, but their roof gives them a different identity.
Click on the dashed box at the top-right in the puzzle box below to open the puzzle to full screen. In the top left, you can change the number of pieces (100 pieces is the default), toggle piece rotation, and change the background color. Then hit “OK” and have fun!