Burlington Historic District (Burlington, New Jersey) facts for kids
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Burlington Historic District
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 Location in Burlington County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly L-shaped, bounded by Delaware River and High, W. Broad, Albot, and Reed Sts., Burlington, New Jersey |
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| Area | 31 acres (13 ha) |
| Architect | William Strickland; Richard Upjohn |
| Architectural style | Gothic, Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 75001124 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | March 13, 1975 |
The Burlington Historic District in Burlington, New Jersey, is a special area recognized for its important history. It's like a preserved neighborhood where many old buildings and places tell stories from the past. This district is located near the Delaware River and is bordered by High, West Broad, Talbot, and Reed streets. It's so important that it's listed on both the New Jersey state and federal lists of historic places.
Within this district, you can find some really old and famous buildings. The Revell House is one of them; it's the oldest house in Burlington County and one of the very oldest homes in all of New Jersey! Another amazing spot is St. Mary's Episcopal Church. Built way back in 1703, it's the oldest church in New Jersey and is even recognized as a National Historic Landmark. This historic district is also right next to the city's High Street Historic District, making the whole area a treasure trove of history.
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Discovering the Burlington Historic District
A historic district is a neighborhood or area that has been officially recognized for its important past. It's a way to protect old buildings and places so that future generations can learn from them. The Burlington Historic District covers about 31 acres, which is like 23 football fields! It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 13, 1975.
Why is Burlington so Historic?
Burlington, New Jersey, has a very long history. It was founded in 1677 by English Quakers, who were a group of people seeking religious freedom. This makes Burlington one of the oldest towns in New Jersey. Because it was settled so early, many of its buildings and streets have seen centuries of change and growth. Protecting these areas helps us understand how people lived long ago.
What Makes a Place Historic?
When a place is called "historic," it usually means it has special meaning because of its age, its architecture, or the important events that happened there. For example, buildings in the Burlington Historic District show different styles of architecture, like Gothic and Gothic Revival. These styles tell us about how buildings were designed and built in different time periods.
Important Buildings to Explore
The Burlington Historic District is home to several buildings that stand out because of their age and significance.
The Revell House
The Revell House is a true survivor from the early days of Burlington. It's known as the oldest house in Burlington County. Imagine living in a house that was built hundreds of years ago! It gives us a peek into what life was like for the first settlers in the area.
St. Mary's Episcopal Church
St. Mary's Episcopal Church is another incredible landmark. It was built in 1703, making it the oldest church in New Jersey. Churches often played a central role in early communities, serving as places for worship, meetings, and community gatherings. This church has been a part of Burlington's story for over 300 years! It's even recognized as a National Historic Landmark, which is a very high honor for a historic place.
Protecting Our Past
Historic districts like the one in Burlington are important for many reasons. They help us:
- Preserve history: By protecting old buildings, we keep the stories of the past alive.
- Learn about architecture: We can see how building styles changed over time.
- Understand community growth: These areas show how towns and cities developed.
- Boost local pride: Historic places often become symbols of a community's heritage.
By visiting and learning about places like the Burlington Historic District, you can connect with history in a real and exciting way. It's like stepping back in time to see how people lived, worked, and built their lives centuries ago.
