The Greek Revival (a specific form of 'Neoclassical' design), was an architectural movement of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, predominantly in Northern Europe & United States. This style reflected Greek culture and the historical monuments of ancient Greece.

Greek Revival architecture is often described as having ornate, symmetrical columns, 'pie-crust crimped' details, and subtle roof peaks. The Greeks built most of their temples and government buildings in three styles: Doric, Ionic & Corinthian. These styles are defined by the type of columns they used.

Greek Revival was inspired by Thomas Hope, an English-American architect from Tennessee. He influenced a number of Revival decorative styles popularized in the United Kingdom. By the beginning of the 1900s, freedom from detail was thought to characterize the simplicity of French & Italian lifestyle, so the Greek Revival style never really caught on in these countries during this era.

However, it was much more popular among lavish homes in the Southern United States that served as plantations or estates. The mansion, 'Tara' from the movie, 'Gone with the Wind' and the presidential 'White House' are classic examples of Greek Revival architecture.

Greek Revival began to lose status during the Civil War in America and even later, in Scotland. Designed originally as a product of Hellenism, this style may be looked upon as the last phase in the development of 'Neoclassical' architecture.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org