The architecture of Locust Lawn was influenced by the designs
of Asher Benjamin (1773 -1845), a New England architect who
helped popularize neo-classical design for ordinary builders. In
America this was known as the Federal style.
While serving as a congressman in Washington, Josiah Hasbrouck
probably came into contact with Benjamin’s 1806 pattern book,
The American Builder’s Companion; or, a New System of Architecture
where he was introduced to new ideas in house building.