Coventry Glass Factory Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Coventry Glass Factory Historic District
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House at the corner of US Route 44 and North River Road
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | US 44 and N. River Rd., Coventry, Connecticut |
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| Area | 32 acres (13 ha) |
| Architectural style | Federal; Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 87000806 |
| Added to NRHP | August 27, 1987 |
The Coventry Glass Factory Historic District is a special area in Coventry, Connecticut. It covers about 32 acres and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. This means it's a place recognized for its important history.
The district includes ten old houses that are very important to the area's past. They are found close to where the old Coventry Glass Factory once stood. These homes are lined up along what used to be the Boston Turnpike, which is now U.S. Route 44. The Skungamaug River also runs through this historic district. Most of these houses were built between 1813 and 1845. They show common building styles from that time, like the Federal and Greek Revival styles. The best-preserved house belonged to Nathaniel Root, located at 1044 Boston Turnpike.
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A Look Back at the Coventry Glass Factory
The Coventry Glassworks started in 1813. It was built to make glass items that people used to buy from English companies. However, the War of 1812 made it hard to get goods from England. So, people in America needed their own glass factories.
Who Started the Factory?
The people who started the glassworks included skilled glassblowers and local business owners. They put their money and knowledge together to create the company. This helped them meet the demand for glass products right here in America.
What Did They Make?
The factory produced many small glass items. These included little bottles, inkstands (for holding ink), and flasks. They are also famous for making the very first "portrait flask." This special flask had a picture of the Marquis de Lafayette on it. It was made to celebrate his visit to the United States in 1825.
How Long Did It Operate?
The Coventry Glassworks had different owners and glassblowers over the years. It kept making glass until about 1845. At that time, the owners decided to move the business to Willington. Many of the houses in the historic district were built for the factory owners or the workers they hired. If you look closely at the ground where the factory used to be, you can still find pieces of melted glass and burnt bricks!
