Horatio Nelson White

Horatio Nelson White
Looking south on Salina Street, Syracuse, New York; from a c. 1905 postcard.
Born	1814
Died	1892
Occupation	Architect
Buildings	Hall of Languages, Syracuse University, Gridley Building, Grace Episcopal Church

Horatio Nelson White (February 8, 1814 – 1892) was an American architect based out of Syracuse, New York and became one of New York State's most prominent architects from about 1865 to 1880. White designed many homes, armories, churches, and public buildings throughout Syracuse in Central New York, including the Hall of Languages at Syracuse University, the Oswego County Court House, Syracuse High School, the Weiting Block in Syracuse, Oswego's City Hall, and more.

White was born in Middleton, New Hampshire, on February 8, 1814 and was named after Horatio Nelson, the famous British Admiral and hero of the Battle of Trafalgar. Before moving to Syracuse in 1843, White worked as a carpenter and a builder in Andover, Massachusetts. Upon arrival in Syracuse, White immediately made a name for himself, earning high praises as the building contractor for the Church of the Messiah. Following business reversals, White moved briefly to Brooklyn, New York in 1847. In 1849, he set sail for San Francisco and worked in California during the 1849–1851 building boom and gold rush.

In 1851, White returned to his wife and daughter in Syracuse, paid off his creditors and established what became a highly successful architectural practice. In 1856, White was given the prestigious opportunity of designing the new Onondaga County Courthouse in Clinton Square. The resulting design was hailed as a resounding success and elements from it were utilized in several of his subsequent plans, including the designs for the Jefferson and Chemung County courthouses. White's reputation was growing as one of the best architects in Syracuse. Young architects came to Syracuse to study under him. One of these was Archimedes Russell, later to become a professor of architecture at Syracuse University from 1873 through 1881.