Blackinton Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Blackinton Historic District
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Blackinton Mill (2010)
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly Massachusetts Ave. between Ashton and Doanes Aves. and Church Hill and Boston & Maine RR, North Adams, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 240 acres (97 ha) |
| Architect | various |
| Architectural style | Mid-19th Century Revival, Late Victorian |
| MPS | North Adams MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 85003384 |
| Added to NRHP | October 25, 1985 |
The Blackinton Historic District is a special old neighborhood in North Adams, Massachusetts. It's found in the western part of the city. This area is famous for being a well-preserved mill village. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. This means it's an important place in American history.
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What is the Blackinton Historic District?
The Blackinton Historic District is a historic area in North Adams, Massachusetts. It stretches along Massachusetts Avenue. This district is known for its old mill buildings. It also has homes and other buildings from the past. It's a great example of a mill village.
Why is Blackinton important?
This district is important because it shows how people lived. It also shows how factories worked long ago. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This helps protect its history. It's a valuable part of Massachusetts' past.
History of Blackinton Village
The Blackinton neighborhood grew around the Blackinton Company mills. These mills were built near the Hoosic River. They were started in 1821 by Sanford Blackinton. Rufus Wells and J.L. White also helped.
How did the mill village grow?
The Blackinton Company became very successful. It made a lot of woolen goods. Woolen goods are fabrics made from wool. The company got big orders during the American Civil War. This helped the village grow even more.
Life in the Blackinton community
By the early 1900s, Blackinton was a busy community. It had its own school and stores. There was also a post office and a library. People living there felt like they were from "Blackinton." They didn't always say they were from North Adams. The village even had its own train station.
When did the mill close?
The Blackinton mill kept working for many years. However, it finally closed down in 1950. Even though the mill closed, the historic district remains. It reminds us of a busy time in the past.
What can you see in the district?
The Blackinton Historic District follows Massachusetts Avenue. It is located west of downtown North Adams. It's also north of the Hoosic River. Many old buildings are still standing here.
Key buildings and homes
You can see the old brick mill buildings. These are located between Massachusetts Avenue and the river. The Blackinton Company Store from 1839 is also there. There are two old churches in the district. You can also find Sanford Blackinton's house. It was built around 1850.
Victorian architecture
The district also has beautiful Victorian-style homes. These homes were built later. One example is a Queen Anne/Stick style house. John P. Blackinton built it in 1880. It is right across from the old mill complex.
Images for kids
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Lithograph of Blackinton from 1889 by L.R. Burleigh with list of landmarks
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