Approximate year "Gingerbread" style was introduced in U.S. - 1875

Best known by the name "gingerbread", referring to its profusion of decorative sawn details, this style evolved during a surge in carpentry equipment in this country. It is also known as the Carpenter style. Pattern books were used to create results that had a whimsical look. The typical gingerbread house is boxlike in shape and usually has a steep roof which provides ample opportunity for the carpenters' detail