Ames Hill/Crescent Hill District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Ames Hill/Crescent Hill District
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Springfield, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1812 |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Mid 19th Century Revival, Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals, Late Victorian |
| NRHP reference No. | 74000368 |
| Added to NRHP | May 1, 1974 |
The Ames Hill/Crescent Hill District is a special historic area in Springfield, Massachusetts. It includes parts of Central, Maple, Mill, and Pine Streets, plus Crescent Hill, Ames Hill Drive, and Maple Court. This area was one of Springfield's first fancy neighborhoods. It was built mostly between 1812 and 1850, during the early Industrial Revolution.
This historic district is famous for Mulberry Street. This street was made well-known by Dr. Seuss in his first children's book, And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, published in 1937. Dr. Seuss's grandparents actually lived on Mulberry Street! This National Historic District also touches parts of the Ridgewood and Maple Hill Historic Districts in Springfield.
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What is Ames Hill?
Ames Hill got its name from the Ames Family, who were important in Springfield. David Ames, Jr. was a paper maker in Springfield. His father, Colonel David Ames, was the first leader of the Springfield Armory. The Armory was a very important place where weapons were made for the United States.
The David Ames Jr. House
The David Ames Jr. House is located at 241 Maple Street on Ames Hill. It was built in 1826-1827. A well-known local architect and builder named Chauncey Shepard designed it.
Later, in 1867, a lawyer from New York City named Solomon J. Gordon bought the house. He hired Chauncey Shepard again to update the house. Gordon lived there until he passed away in 1891. Today, this historic house is called Young House. It is part of the campus for the MacDuffie School.
Exploring Crescent Hill
Crescent Hill follows along Maple Street, which goes up a steep hill. From this hill, you can see amazing views of the Connecticut River and the Connecticut River Valley.
Crescent Hill is also home to many of Springfield's biggest and most beautiful old houses. Most of these large homes were built in the mid-1800s.
The 2011 Tornado
Sadly, the Ames Hill/Crescent Hill Historic District was badly damaged during a powerful tornado. This tornado hit the Greater Springfield area on June 1, 2011.
Images for kids
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A mansion on Maple Street in the Ames Hill/Crescent Hill District.
