Carrollton Courthouse Square Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Carrollton Courthouse Square Historic District
|
|
Greene County Courthouse
|
|
 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Roughly bounded by S. Main, W. 5th, N. Main and W. 6th Sts., Carrollton, Illinois |
|---|---|
| Area | 4 acres (1.6 ha) |
| Built | Various |
| NRHP reference No. | 85001667 |
| Added to NRHP | August 1, 1985 |
The Carrollton Courthouse Square Historic District is a special area in Carrollton, Illinois. It's a place where many old and important buildings are protected because of their history and unique look. This district is built around the main square of Carrollton, which has been the heart of the town for a very long time.
Contents
Discovering Carrollton's Historic Square
This historic district is centered around the Greene County Courthouse. It's a beautiful building made of limestone. The courthouse was built between 1891 and 1892. It's designed in a style called Romanesque Revival, which means it looks back to old Roman and medieval European architecture with its strong, rounded arches and sturdy feel.
What is a Historic District?
A historic district is like a special neighborhood where buildings, structures, and even open spaces are recognized for their historical or architectural importance. When an area becomes a historic district, it means people want to preserve its unique character for future generations. The Carrollton Courthouse Square Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 1, 1985. This is a list of places across the United States that are considered important to the country's history.
The Heart of the Square: The Courthouse
The Greene County Courthouse is a very important building in the district. It takes up an entire city block right in the middle of the area. This building is not just pretty to look at; it's where important local government work happens. It's a great example of the Romanesque Revival style, which was popular for public buildings in the late 1800s.
Buildings Around the Square
The twelve blocks surrounding the courthouse make up Carrollton's main business area. This is where people have come to shop and do business for many years.
How the Square Grew
The area around the courthouse started to develop way back in 1821. That's when the very first courthouse was built. At that time, the square was surrounded by new houses. Only one house from this early period is still standing today. It's called the Hodges House, and it was built in 1829. Now, it's a historical museum, showing what life was like long ago.
Between 1830 and 1855, the square really started to become a business center. Many brick stores were built during this time. After 1855, even more commercial buildings were added. These buildings often had two or three stories, and they are the most common type of building you'll see in the district today. Besides stores, Carrollton's public library and the post office are also located on the square.
