Church Green (Taunton, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Church Green
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Vietnam Memorial Fountain on Church Green with Vietnam Memorial and Global War on Terrorism Memorial
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Taunton, Massachusetts |
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| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian, Renaissance, Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 77000168 |
| Added to NRHP | December 16, 1977 |
The Church Green is a special public park in Taunton, Massachusetts. It's shaped like a triangle. You can find it where Summer Street (Route 140) and Dean Street (Route 44) meet. This green space has important memorials. These honor veterans from the Vietnam War and the War on Terrorism. The memorials feature seven flags, a fountain, a brick garden, and benches for quiet thought.
Church Green was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. This means it's a very important historical area. The district includes the First Parish Church, the Old Colony Historical Society, Taunton City Hall, and many old homes and shops. This historic area also overlaps with Taunton's local historic district.
Contents
History of Church Green
Early Days of the Common
The Church Green was once called Meetinghouse Common. It was the very first town center for Taunton. Around 1647, the town's first meetinghouse was built here. This building was used for both religious services and town government meetings. It was a central spot for the community.
Honoring Veterans
On November 13, 2011, seven new flagpoles were put up at Church Green. They form a "V" shape at the tip of the green. The American Flag is in the middle. Each of the other poles flies the special flag for a branch of the U.S. Military. This was the first step for the Taunton Global War on Terrorism Memorial.
On June 10, 2012, the City of Taunton officially opened the Global War on Terrorism Memorial. This memorial helps remember and honor those who served in the War on Terrorism.
Important Buildings and Statues
The Church Green area is home to many historic buildings and monuments. These show the rich history of Taunton.
Public and Historic Buildings
- First Parish Church (built 1830): A beautiful old church.
- Taunton City Hall (built 1848 & 1896): The main building for the city government.
- Morton Block (around 1840): An old commercial building.
- Old Colony Historical Society/Bristol Academy (built 1852): A place that keeps and shares local history.
- Leonard Block (built 1870): Another historic commercial building.
- Winthrop Club (around 1900): A building that was once a social club.
Memorials and Statues
- Robert Treat Paine Statue (built 1904): A statue honoring a famous person from history.
- Vietnam Memorial Fountain (built 1968): A fountain dedicated to Vietnam Veterans.
- Global War on Terrorism Memorial (built 2012): A memorial honoring those who served in the War on Terrorism.
Historic Homes
Many old homes are also part of the Church Green historic area. These include:
- Anselm Bassett House (built 1825)
- Carleton Brabrook House (around 1873)
- George Crocker House (built 1858)
- Barney Deane House (around 1829)
- Charles Foster House (around 1845)
- Charles T. Hubbard House (built 1884)
- Charles T. Newbury House (built 1905)
- Maurice Mason House (around 1902)
- Abner Pitts House (built 1836)
- Frank Smeardon House (built 1919)
- Richard Warner House (built 1919)
- Alfred B. Williams House (built 1899)
There is also a modern apartment building at 31 Church Green (built 1970). It is not considered a historic part of the district.
Images for kids
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Church Green Fountain
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First Parish Church
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City Hall and Leonard Block
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Charles T. Hubbard House
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Charles T. Newbury House
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Old Colony Historical Society
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Winthrop Club and Morton Block
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Maurice Mason House
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Robert Treat Paine Statue
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