Blair Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Blair Historic District
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Washington Street
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | Parts of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, A, B, High, Illinois, Main, and Washington Sts. in Belleville |
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| NRHP reference No. | 15000523 |
| Added to NRHP | September 18, 2015 |
The Blair Historic District is a special area in downtown Belleville, Illinois, where many old and important buildings are protected. It's like a time capsule showing how the city grew. This district is mostly made up of businesses and includes 78 buildings. About 57 of these buildings are considered "contributing," meaning they add to the historical feel of the area.
Contents
History of the Blair Historic District
How the District Started
The entire Blair Historic District is located on land that was part of the original city plan for Belleville. This land was given by a person named George Blair way back in 1813. The oldest buildings you can see in the district today were built around 1850. New buildings continued to be added throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s.
What the Buildings Look Like
Most of the buildings in the district are two-story brick buildings designed for businesses. They were built in popular styles of the time. These styles include:
- Italianate: This style often has tall, narrow windows and decorative brackets under the roof.
- Second Empire: You might see a special type of roof called a mansard roof, which has a double slope.
- Classical Revival: Buildings in this style often look like ancient Greek or Roman temples, with columns and grand entrances.
- Romanesque Revival: This style uses rounded arches and strong, heavy stone or brick.
Special Buildings in the District
One very important building is the Reichert Business Block at 200 West Main Street. It's a three-story building with a beautiful Second Empire design. It has a mansard roof with small windows sticking out (called dormers) and fancy decorations under the roof (called a cornice). People say it's the most detailed building in the whole district.
Two other buildings with a strong presence are designed in the Classical Revival style:
- The United States Post Office Building was built in 1911. It was designed by a famous architect named James Knox Taylor, who worked for the government.
- Turner Hall was built in 1924. Both of these buildings stand out because of their grand, classic designs.
National Recognition
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation's historic places that are worth saving. When a place is added to this list, it means it's important for its history, architecture, or what it represents.
When Was the District Added?
The Blair Historic District was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 18, 2015. This helps protect the district and recognize its value to the community and the country.
