Boneyfiddle Commercial District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Boneyfiddle Commercial District
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Market Street in the district
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly bounded by Front, Washington, 3rd and Scioto Sts., Portsmouth, Ohio |
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| Area | 35 acres (14 ha) |
| Built | 1832 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Italianate, Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 79001938 |
| Added to NRHP | June 6, 1979 |
The Boneyfiddle Commercial District is a special neighborhood in Portsmouth, Ohio. It's known as a historic district, which means it has many old buildings and places that are important to history. This area is sometimes called the Historic Boneyfiddle District.
You can find Boneyfiddle where the Scioto and Ohio rivers meet. It's mainly along Second Street, stretching between Front, Washington, 3rd, and Scioto streets. This district was first settled by German immigrants in the mid-1800s. It grew a lot during the late 1800s and early 1900s when industries were booming.
Because of its unique history and architecture, the Boneyfiddle Commercial District was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 6, 1979. This listing helps protect its important buildings and stories for future generations.
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Discovering Boneyfiddle's Past
Have you ever wondered what a town looked like long ago? The Boneyfiddle Commercial District gives us a peek into the past. It was a busy center for trade and business in Portsmouth.
A Home for Immigrant Families
In the middle of the 19th century, many people from Germany came to the United States. Some of these German immigrants settled in Portsmouth, Ohio. They built homes and businesses in what became known as Boneyfiddle.
This area quickly became a lively community. It was a place where new families could start fresh. They brought their culture and traditions, which helped shape the neighborhood.
Buildings with a Story
The buildings in Boneyfiddle tell a story about the past. Many of them were built during a time when Portsmouth was growing fast. This growth was thanks to a strong industrial economy.
You can see different styles of architecture in the district. Some buildings show off the Greek Revival style. This style often uses columns and grand entrances, like ancient Greek temples. Others are Italianate, which means they might have tall, narrow windows and decorative eaves. There are also buildings in the Federal style, which is simpler and more balanced.
These buildings were once busy shops, offices, and homes. They were at the heart of Portsmouth's economic success. Walking through Boneyfiddle today is like taking a step back in time.
What is a Historic District?
When an area is called a "historic district," it means it has special historical importance. The United States government keeps a list of these places called the National Register of Historic Places. Getting on this list is a big deal!
It means the buildings and the area are worth preserving. They teach us about how people lived, worked, and built communities in the past. Being on the National Register helps protect Boneyfiddle from being changed too much. It ensures that its unique character remains for everyone to enjoy and learn from.
Boneyfiddle Today
Today, the Boneyfiddle Commercial District is still an active part of Portsmouth. It reminds us of the city's rich history and the people who helped build it. It's a place where you can explore old buildings and imagine life from long ago.
