The Second Empire architectural style was named after the French-inspired elements that appeared during the Second French Empire. The style was at the height of its popularity between 1865 and 1880, and while it was most popular in the United States, a variation can be seen in parts of France where it is called the Napoleon III Style. The Second Empire style has many elements specific to this time period, but, just like with any other style, some of the elements were influenced by other architectural time periods, like the Gothic Revival and Italianate styles. It has taken pieces of the most regal, sound styles and adopted them, tweaked them, to become its own style altogether -- and a popular one at that.
In the United States, the style tends to be portrayed through rectangular towers with a steep mansard roof, which is the most typical of the French style from which it was derived.
Most often, these roof crests have an iron trim, and sometimes they also have decorative lightening rods attached. The facade of the home is generally composed of wood, brick, or stone, and may also have paired columns. In many areas of the States, one can drive through a town and see at least once building or home done in the Second Empire style, or a variation of it. What it looks like on the outside is fairly easy to identify as Second Empire, but most of the floor plans for Second Empire houses fit one of two styles: symmetrical with the tower in the middle or asymmetrical with the tower off to one side. Just like many things French, the more elaborately decorated and expensive-looking the better. The style is viewed as regal, important, and magnificent -- all indicators of wealth and power when it comes to architecture. Whether that architecture is being applied to a wealthy home or a vital governmant building, it doesn't matter -- the Second Empire style of architecture is still seen throughout America today, though it is not a dominant method of decorating the home. It is more often than not seen in University campuses and government buildings.