Alabama
George W. Steele (1798-1842) Huntsville, Alabama
Noted designer of the Greek Revival style, he was active in Huntsville after 1833. He was born in Virginia, the city is not known, nor his record of education.
When young, Mr. Steele, in company with William Brandon, arrived in Huntsville and set up business as architect and builder. At first he erected brick kilns which furnished much of the brick used in his structures, and he also operated a cotton mill in the city. After 1935 he devoted all of his attention to architecture. known to have taken a deep interest in his profession, Steele often journeyed to New York and other eastern cities to continue his studies. He also acquired a magnificent library, which no longer exists.
In Huntsville, many of the mansions which give the city distinction were designed by Steele, though actual record of his participation is lacking, but his success in adapting the Greek Revival style to his best known works brought him wide recognition throughout the state. In addition to Oak Place, his home in Huntsville, an outstanding achievement in domestic architecture, Mr. Steele is credited with the design of two public buildings in the city, the two-story First National Bank, and the Madison County Court House dating from 1836 and still standing, though much of its simple beauty was lost when the structure was enlarged and remodeled in 1914.
Married in 1823, he was the father of four sons, Mathew, George, John, and Angelo. Two of the boys were educated at the University of Alabama, the other two at the Virginia University, and Matthew and John became architects.