Centre Market Square Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Centre Market Square Historic District
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Center Market Square Historic District, March 2010
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 Location in West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly Market St. between 20th and 23rd Sts.; also southern side of Main from Alley 19 to 20th St., and Chapline, Eoff and Charles Sts. bounded by Lane C, 22nd, and 24th Sts., Wheeling, West Virginia |
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| Area | 18.1 acres (7.3 ha) |
| Architect | Multiple; Wells, E. W. |
| Architectural style | Mixed (more Than 2 Styles From Different Periods), Late Victorian |
| NRHP reference No. | 84003651, 87000127 |
| Added to NRHP | January 12, 1984, February 25, 1987 (boundary increase) |
The Centre Market Square Historic District is a special area in Wheeling, West Virginia. It's like a time capsule! This district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important place in American history. It helps us remember how things looked and felt long ago.
Contents
What is a Historic District?
A historic district is a group of buildings, structures, or objects that are important together. They tell a story about the past. These areas are protected to keep their history alive. The Centre Market Square Historic District has 181 buildings that help tell Wheeling's story.
Exploring Centre Market Square
This historic district covers a large area in Wheeling. It includes streets like Market Street, Main Street, Chapline Street, Eoff Street, and Charles Street. The heart of the district is the Center Wheeling Market, which is also a very old and important place.
The buildings in this district were built a long time ago. Some date back to the 1850s! They show many different styles of architecture. This makes the area very interesting to explore.
Famous Buildings You'll See
Many buildings in the district are notable. For example, the Second Presbyterian Church was built around 1850. St. Alphonsus Church and School were built in 1875 and 1887. The Wheeling Public Library, built in 1911, is also part of this historic area.
You can also find the German Evangelical Lutheran Zion's Church. It was built around 1850 and is now the Oglebay Institute-Towngate Theatre. Other interesting buildings include the "Iron Building" from about 1867 and the Wheeling Fire Company-Hook and Ladder #6. These buildings show how people lived and worked in Wheeling many years ago.
A Look at the Architecture
The buildings in Centre Market Square show a mix of architectural styles. Many are from the Victorian era. This means they often have fancy details, tall windows, and interesting rooflines. You might see elements of Greek Revival architecture, Italianate architecture, and other styles.
Each building has its own unique look. Together, they create a picture of what Wheeling was like in the 1800s and early 1900s. It's like walking through a living museum!
Why is it Important?
The Centre Market Square Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. A few years later, in 1987, the protected area was made even larger. This listing helps protect these old buildings. It ensures that future generations can also learn from and enjoy this piece of history.
It reminds us of the people who lived and worked in Wheeling long ago. It shows how the city grew and changed over time. Preserving these places helps us understand our past.
