Center Village District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Center Village District
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First Church of Christ
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Main St., Lancaster, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 254 acres (103 ha) |
| Built | 1750 |
| Architect | Longfellow, A.W.; Multiple |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival, Late Victorian, Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 77000198 |
| Added to NRHP | September 15, 1977 |
The Center Village District is a special historic area in Lancaster, Massachusetts. It's like the old downtown of the town! People first settled here way back in 1643. Today, it's a beautiful, quiet town center with many homes and important public buildings.
One famous building here is the First Church of Christ, Lancaster. It's so important that it's a U.S. National Historic Landmark! This whole district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
Exploring Lancaster's Historic Center
Lancaster is the oldest town in Worcester County. It began as a trading post in 1643. The town officially became a town in 1653. The historic center sits on a ridge near the Nashua River. The river forms part of the district's edge.
The center stretches along Main Street (Massachusetts Route 70). It goes for about 0.8 miles (1.3 km). In the middle of this area is the town common. This common is a big open space on the east side of Main Street. Important buildings surround it on three sides.
Famous Buildings Around the Common
The most famous building is the First Church of Christ. It was finished in 1816. A famous architect named Charles Bulfinch designed it. It's a masterpiece of neoclassical style. Next to the church, you can still see old horse sheds. These were used to shelter horses.
At the other end of the common is the town hall. It was built in 1908. Alexander Wadsworth Longfellow Jr. designed it in the Colonial Revival style. Also on the east side of the common is the Thayer Library. This beautiful building was added in 1868. The Center School, built in 1904, is also nearby.
Homes and Other Buildings
Other public buildings are found throughout the district. Most of the area is now residential. This means it has many homes. No buildings from the 1600s are still standing. However, there are a few houses from the 1700s.
Most of the homes were built in the 1800s. They are usually made of wood. They are also 1.5 to 2.5 stories tall. This gives the whole district a similar look. One notable house is the Joseph Andrews House from 1830. It has a large, two-story front in the Greek Revival style.
