Campground Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Campground Historic District
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A pair of shotgun houses on North Ann Street, both built in 1925
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 Location in Mobile, Alabama
Location in Alabama
Location in the United States
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| Location | Mobile, Alabama |
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| Area | 37 acres (15 ha) |
| Architectural style | Queen Anne, Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 05000648 |
| Added to NRHP | July 7, 2005 |
The Campground Historic District is a special area in Mobile, Alabama. It is also known simply as The Campground. This neighborhood has a rich history, especially for the African-American community. It was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 7, 2005.
The district got its name from the "Old Camp Ground." This was a military camp used during the American Civil War. Today, the area is known for its unique homes. These houses were built from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s. They include styles like the "shotgun house" and "bungalow." The district covers about 370 acres and has 166 important buildings. It is located near Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Rylands Street, St. Stephens Road, and Ann Street.
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What is the Campground Historic District?
A historic district is a special part of a city. It has buildings, places, or objects that are important to history. The Campground Historic District is one such place. It helps us remember the past of Mobile, Alabama.
This district is on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places in the United States that are worth saving. Being on this list means the area is recognized for its history. It also helps protect the buildings there.
How the Campground Got Its Name
The name "Campground" comes from a military camp. This camp was set up during the American Civil War (1861-1865). Soldiers used this area as a place to stay and train. It was an important spot during that time.
After the war, the land became a neighborhood. Many African-American families moved there. They built homes and created a strong community. The name "Campground" stayed to honor its past.
Homes and Architecture in the District
The Campground Historic District has many interesting homes. They show different building styles from the past.
- Shotgun houses: These are long, narrow homes. They usually have rooms lined up one after another. You could imagine shooting a bullet from the front door straight through to the back!
- Bungalows: These are smaller, cozy homes. They often have a low-pitched roof and a front porch. They were very popular in the early 1900s.
These homes tell a story about how people lived. They also show the different building styles that were popular back then. The district has 166 "contributing buildings." This means these buildings add to the historical importance of the area.
Why is the Campground Historic District Important?
The Campground Historic District is important for several reasons. It helps us understand the history of Mobile. It also highlights the history of African-American communities.
- Preserving History: The district keeps old buildings safe. This way, future generations can learn from them.
- Community Story: It tells the story of a strong community. This community grew and thrived after the Civil War.
- Architectural Styles: It shows examples of old building styles. These styles include Queen Anne and Classical Revival.
By protecting places like the Campground Historic District, we keep history alive. We can learn about the people who lived there. We can also understand the challenges and successes they faced.
