The designs that you are about to see demonstrate the
creativity and ingenuity of the American people and their government as
they worked to build this country. Among the drawings on display, you
can find ideas for symbols, improvements, achievements in science and
technology, and artistic expressions; however, many of the items in the
exhibit will fall into more.
Federal Designs: Symbolism Symbols are an important part of America`s design
heritage. They establish and reinforce the national identity and patriotism.
In some cases, American symbols are based on recognized associations.
The ideals of Greek democracy, the power of Imperial Rome, or the refinements
of European fashion frequently are reflected in Federal designs. At other
times and for other purposes, designers created icons using images unique
to this new country, to this new form of government, and to America`s
aspirations to world power. They created a visual vocabulary based on
New World flora and fauna, Native American related images, depictions
of America`s creative energy, and views of the nation`s dramatic landscape.
This combination of influences has resulted in designs for flags, seals,
shields, and other emblematic devices, as well as memorials that commemorate
the heroic figures and events of the American past.
Federal Designs: Improvements As the new country grew, the Federal Government
continued to build. The nation`s security demanded forts, warships, and
weapons. Civilian needs required post offices, customhouses, and courthouses.
The Government also sponsored projects to aid commerce, communication,
and settlement of the vast American interior. Many Federal agencies produced
designs and several, such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Office
of the Supervising Architect of the Department of the Treasury, the Bureau
of Ships, and the Public Buildings Service, were established for the purpose
of obtaining designs and supervising construction projects for the Government.
Sometimes, even when localities, states, or the private sector designed
the improvements, drawings found their way into agency files and eventually
into the National Archives.
Tentative Sketch of the Clock Tower
Complex, including Grant, Sherman, and Sheridan Halls, Fort Leavenworth,
Federal Designs: Science and
Technology Scientific and engineering drawings are a visual
record of American technological progress, both civilian and military.
Patent drawings reflect the Federal Government`s continuing responsibility
to promote "the Progress of Science and the Useful Arts," by protecting
the rights of inventors, as stated in the Constitution of the United States.
Until 1877 patent applicants routinely submitted drawings of their inventions
with their application. The National Archives holds over 126,000 patent
drawings and hundreds of thousands of engineering drawings.
"Standard Plan Parachute General Arrangement
Federal Designs: Artistic Expressions Utility was the driving force behind most Federal
design drawings, but many of the drawings shown here can be appreciated
as works of art. This was especially true of the late 19th century and
early 20th century when the Government employed or commissioned some of
the nation`s most prestigious architects and delineators to create beautiful
renderings of buildings, ships, bridges, uniforms, and memorials. The
holdings of the National Archives also include a wide variety of original
graphic designs for such things as posters, flags, costumes, uniforms,
and even theatrical sets.
Untitled poster design
Citation for left side image: Sketch of the Great Seal of the United States
By Francis Hopkinson, May 10, 1780
Pencil and ink on paper
7 3/8 " x 6 3/8 " National Archives and Records Administration, Records of the Continental
and Confederation Congresses and the Constitutional Convention
Tentative Sketch of the Clock Tower Complex,
including Grant, Sherman, and Sheridan Halls, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas
By Maj. Gen. J. Franklin Bell, February 1908
Ink and wash on paper 46" x 46" National Archives and Records Administration, Records of the Office
of the Chief of Engineers