Courthouse Square Historic District (Centerville, Iowa) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Courthouse Square Historic District
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | Centerville, Iowa |
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| Built | 1876 |
| Architect | Dunham, Charles A.; Smith & Gage |
| Architectural style | Gothic, Queen Anne, Romanesque |
| MPS | Centerville MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 97001291 |
| Added to NRHP | October 30, 1997 |
The Courthouse Square Historic District in Centerville, Iowa, is a special area that was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. This happened thanks to the hard work of the Centerville Historic Preservation Commission. It's like a protected neighborhood because its buildings and history are important!
This district is located right in the middle of Centerville. It includes the area around the town square. The boundaries are Van Buren Street, Haynes Avenue, Maple Street, and 10th Street. The Appanoose County Courthouse is a very important building right in the center of this historic district.
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Discovering the Courthouse Square Historic District
Imagine a place where buildings tell stories from the past! That's what a historic district is. The Courthouse Square Historic District in Centerville, Iowa, is one of these cool places. It was officially recognized in 1997. This means it's considered very important for its history and unique buildings.
What is a Historic District?
A historic district is a special area in a town or city. It has a group of buildings, structures, or objects that are important because of their history or how they look. Protecting these areas helps us remember the past. It also helps us understand how towns grew and changed over time.
Exploring Centerville's Historic Square
The heart of this district is the town square. Many older towns in the United States have a central square. It's often where important government buildings or businesses are located. In Centerville, the beautiful Appanoose County Courthouse stands proudly in the middle of its square.
The buildings around the square show different styles of architecture. These styles were popular when the buildings were first built. Some of the styles you might see include:
- Gothic Revival: This style often has pointed arches and tall windows, like old European cathedrals.
- Queen Anne: These buildings can be very decorative. They often have towers, turrets, and different textures on their walls.
- Romanesque Revival: This style uses rounded arches and thick walls. It often looks very strong and solid.
Why is it Important?
The Courthouse Square Historic District is important for a few reasons. First, it shows us what Centerville looked like many years ago. The buildings were mostly built around 1876. They were designed by architects like Charles A. Dunham and the firm Smith & Gage. Second, it helps people learn about different types of architecture. Finally, it helps preserve the unique character of Centerville for future generations.
