Bradford Downtown Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Bradford Downtown Historic District
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Bradford Downtown Historic District, June 2009
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly bounded by Central Alley, Barbour St., Bushnell St., Howard Place, Davis St., and Boylston St., Bradford, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 53 acres (21 ha) |
| Built | 1879 |
| Architect | Curtis, Enoch; et al. |
| Architectural style | Italianate, Romanesque, et al. |
| MPS | Oil Industry Resources in Western Pennsylvania MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 00001044 |
| Added to NRHP | August 31, 2000 |
The Bradford Downtown Historic District is a special area in Bradford, Pennsylvania. It is recognized as a national historic district. This means it has many old buildings that are important to the history of the United States.
The district is located in McKean County, Pennsylvania. It includes 136 buildings that help tell the story of Bradford. Most of these are commercial buildings, like shops and offices. Three other important buildings are also part of this district. They are the Bradford Armory, Bradford Old City Hall, and the Rufus Barrett Stone House. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the year 2000.
Contents
What is a Historic District?
A historic district is a group of buildings, structures, or sites. They are important because of their history, architecture, or culture. These areas are protected to help save their unique character. They remind us of how places looked and felt in the past.
When an area becomes a historic district, it means it has special value. It helps people learn about the past. It also encourages people to preserve old buildings.
Exploring Bradford's Downtown
The Bradford Downtown Historic District covers about 53 acres. It was built starting in 1879. Many of the buildings show cool architectural styles. These include Italianate and Romanesque designs.
Imagine walking through the streets of Bradford. You would see buildings with unique details. These details tell stories about the past. They show how people lived and worked long ago.
Buildings You'll See
The district has 136 "contributing structures." This means they add to the area's historic importance. Most of these are commercial buildings. They were once busy shops, banks, or offices.
These buildings show the growth of Bradford. They reflect its history as a busy town. Many of them have interesting architectural features. Look for decorative windows and fancy brickwork.
Special Buildings in the District
Within the district, three buildings are especially important. They are listed separately on the National Register of Historic Places. These buildings stand out for their history and design.
The Bradford Armory
The Bradford Armory is one of these special buildings. An armory is a place where military groups train. It also stores weapons. This building played a role in local history. It was a center for community defense.
Bradford Old City Hall
Another key building is the Bradford Old City Hall. This was once the main government building for the city. Important decisions were made here. It shows the civic pride of Bradford's past.
The Rufus Barrett Stone House
The Rufus Barrett Stone House is also part of the district. This house belonged to Rufus Barrett Stone. He was an important person in Bradford's history. His home is a great example of historic residential architecture.
Why is it Important?
Being on the National Register of Historic Places is a big deal. It helps protect these old buildings. It also makes people more aware of their value. This encourages communities to take care of their history.
The Bradford Downtown Historic District helps us remember the past. It shows how Bradford grew and changed. It's a living museum that everyone can visit and enjoy.
