1764-1820

American engineer who designed significant public buildings. Latrobe was a surveyor and architect in England prior to immigrating to the United States in 1795. He introduced the Greek and Gothic Revival styles, improved Philadelphia's waterworks, and served as engineer for canal projects. President Thomas Jefferson named Latrobe surveyor of public buildings and together they improved the architecture of the White House and Capitol. The Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore, Maryland, is one of Latrobe's most outstanding works.