Berkley Crossroads Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Berkley Crossroads Historic District
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 Location in Maryland
Location in the United States
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| Location | Berkley Road and Castleton Rd., Darlington, Maryland |
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| Area | 150 acres (61 ha) |
| Built | 1752 |
| Architect | Multiple, including Walter Cope |
| Architectural style | Colonial, Early Republic |
| NRHP reference No. | 03000649 |
| Added to NRHP | July 17, 2003 |
The Berkley Crossroads Historic District is a special area in Darlington, Maryland, USA. It's like a small, old village where two roads meet. This area shows what life was like from the late 1700s to the early 1900s. It's one of the last places like this left in Harford County.
Most of the land here is for farming. You'll see many two- and three-story homes. Some of the oldest buildings, from the late 1700s and early 1800s, were built partly or entirely from logs. This historic district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
Contents
What is Berkley Crossroads?
The Berkley Crossroads Historic District is a place that has been officially recognized for its history. It covers about 150 acres, which is like 150 football fields. This area helps us understand what life was like long ago. It shows how communities grew in rural Maryland.
A Look at Early Life
Life in Berkley Crossroads was mostly about farming. People grew crops and raised animals. The community was built around the meeting of two important roads. This made it a central spot for people to live and trade.
Many of the homes you see there today are from the 18th and 19th centuries. Some of the very first buildings were made using logs. This was a common way to build homes back then. These buildings show us how people lived and worked.
A Special Community
Berkley Crossroads was also very important for free African Americans in the 1800s. Before the American Civil War, many African Americans in Maryland were enslaved. But some were free. Berkley Crossroads became a place where these free people could live. They built homes and created a strong community.
This made Berkley Crossroads a unique and vital place. It was a safe haven for families. They could build their lives and futures there. This part of its history is very special.
Why is Berkley Crossroads Important Today?
The Berkley Crossroads Historic District is important for several reasons. It helps us remember the past. It shows how people lived in rural Maryland centuries ago. It also teaches us about different types of architecture.
It's also important because it's one of the few rural crossroads communities left. Many similar places have changed a lot over time. Berkley Crossroads still looks much like it did long ago. This helps us study and understand history.
The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. This means it is officially recognized for its historical value. It helps protect the area so future generations can learn from it.
Images for kids
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A view of the Berkley Crossroads Historic District.
