Andover Center Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Andover Center Historic District
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The former town hall, now the historic society museum
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly along Herbron Rd., Boston Hill Rd., and US 6, Andover, Connecticut |
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| Area | 270 acres (110 ha) |
| Architectural style | Colonial, Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 03000236 |
| Added to NRHP | April 18, 2003 |
The Andover Center Historic District is a special area in Andover, Connecticut. It's like a time capsule showing what the town center looked like long ago. This district includes old houses, important town buildings like a library, and even the town's very first cemetery. It was recognized as a historic place in 2003.
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Discover the Andover Center Historic District!
The Andover Center Historic District protects the old heart of Andover, Connecticut. This area is centered around where Hebron Road meets Center Street and Cider Mill Road. It's home to buildings that tell the story of Andover from its earliest days. You can find houses, public buildings, and the town's first cemetery here.
What is a Historic District?
A historic district is a special area that has been officially recognized for its important history. It's like a museum without walls! These districts help protect old buildings and places. They make sure future generations can see and learn about the past. The Andover Center Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. This means it's considered very important to the history of the United States.
A Look Back at Andover's History
Andover started as a separate church community in 1748. It was formed from parts of nearby towns like Hebron and Coventry. The town wasn't officially formed until 100 years later. The first church building, called a meeting house, was built right in the middle of town. This was on Hebron Road, between Center Street and Boston Hill Road.
Andover grew thanks to a few things. In the early 1800s, a small mill that made flaxseed oil helped the economy. Later, a major road called the Hartford-Norwich Turnpike came through. This road followed parts of Center Street and Hebron Road. A railroad line was also built just north of the village. These connections helped Andover grow and connect with other towns.
Changes Over Time
In the mid-1900s, many of the town's shops and government offices moved. They went to the area around US 6. This means the historic district keeps the older feel of the town center.
Exploring the District Today
The Andover Center Historic District covers about 270 acres (109 hectares). It includes buildings along Hebron Road, Center Street, Boston Hill Road, Cider Mill Road, and US 6. There are 60 buildings that are part of the historic district. There are also two historic sites and four historic structures.
Old Buildings and More
One of the oldest spots is the town's first cemetery. It was started way back in 1750. You can also find five houses from the 1700s. One of these is the Phelps-Bingham House, built in 1740. It's a great example of Georgian style architecture.
Later buildings include the John Bingham House from 1840. This house shows the Greek Revival style, which was popular then. The First Congregational Church, built in 1833, is also in the Greek Revival style. These buildings show how architecture changed over time in Andover.
