Douglass Place facts for kids
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Douglass Place
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Douglass Place, May 2012
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| Location | 516-524 S. Dallas St., Baltimore, Maryland |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1892 |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 83004214 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | September 15, 1983 |
Douglass Place is a special group of five historic rowhouses in Baltimore, Maryland. These homes were built in 1892. They are a great example of "alley houses" from that time in Baltimore.
These houses are narrow, with two main sections across the front. They are two stories tall, built over a basement. Their roofs slope down towards the back. The buildings show an "Italianate" style. This means they have rounded window and door openings. They also have simple, decorative metal trim at the top.
Frederick Douglass, a famous American leader, had these houses built. He lived in the Fells Point area of Baltimore from the 1820s to 1838. He created Douglass Place as homes for African American families to rent. The land where the houses stand was once a church. It was the Dallas Street Station Methodist Episcopal Church. Frederick Douglass attended this church when he lived nearby.
Douglass Place was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. This means it is recognized as an important historical site in the United States.
Contents
What is Douglass Place?
Douglass Place is a row of five historic homes. They are located in the city of Baltimore, Maryland. These houses were built a long time ago, in 1892. They show us what typical homes looked like back then.
The Unique Design of Alley Houses
These homes are known as "alley houses." This means they were often built on smaller streets or alleys. They are quite narrow, with two main sections on the front. Each house has two floors above a basement. The roofs slope down towards the back. This design was common in Baltimore during that period.
Italianate Style Details
The houses at Douglass Place have a special look called "Italianate." This style was popular in the late 1800s. You can see it in their windows and doors. They have a rounded, arch-like shape at the top. The buildings also have decorative metal pieces. These "cornices" are found at the very top of the walls. They add a touch of elegance to the simple homes.
Who Built Douglass Place?
A very important person named Frederick Douglass had these houses built. He was born in 1818 and passed away in 1895. Frederick Douglass was a famous writer, speaker, and leader. He fought for the rights of African Americans.
Frederick Douglass's Vision
Frederick Douglass wanted to provide good homes. He built these five houses as rental properties. They were meant for African American families in the Fells Point area. This was a neighborhood in Baltimore where he himself had lived. He lived there from the 1820s until 1838.
The Site's History
The land where Douglass Place stands has a special history. Before the houses were built, a church stood there. It was called the Dallas Street Station Methodist Episcopal Church. Frederick Douglass attended this very church when he was younger and lived in the area. Building homes on this site honored his past.
Why is Douglass Place Important?
Douglass Place is important for several reasons. It shows us what homes were like in the late 1800s. It also connects us to the life and work of Frederick Douglass.
National Recognition
In 1983, Douglass Place received a special honor. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places across the United States. These places are important because of their history or architecture. Being on this list helps protect the site. It also helps people learn about its significance.
