Downtown Indiana Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Downtown Indiana Historic District
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Philadelphia Street, August 2010
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly bounded by Water, 7th and 6th Sts. and Wayne Ave., Indiana, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 39.5 acres (16.0 ha) |
| Built | c. 1805 |
| Architectural style | Second Empire, Italianate, Queen Anne |
| NRHP reference No. | 93000366 |
| Added to NRHP | April 29, 1993 |
The Downtown Indiana Historic District is a special area in Indiana, Pennsylvania. It's like a protected neighborhood where many old buildings and a park tell stories about the past. This district helps keep important parts of history safe for everyone to see and learn from.
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Exploring Downtown Indiana's History
This historic district covers about 39.5 acres. It includes 86 important buildings and one special park. These places are called "contributing" because they add to the district's historical value. They show how the town grew and changed over many years.
What Kinds of Buildings Are There?
You can see many different styles of old buildings in the district. Some are built in the Italianate style, which often has tall windows and decorative eaves. Others show the Second Empire style, known for its mansard roofs. There are also buildings in the Queen Anne style, which often have towers and decorative details.
Some of the oldest buildings include the William Houston House, built around 1805. It's an example of the Federal style. Other notable buildings are the Clawson Hotel, built between 1850 and 1874, and the Thomas Sutton House. You can also find several historic churches like Calvary Presbyterian Church and Zion Lutheran Church.
Special Places to Visit
Besides the many buildings, the district also includes Memorial Park. This park was first used as a burial ground in the early 1800s. It's a quiet place that reminds us of the town's beginnings.
Several buildings within the district are so important that they are listed separately on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Silas M. Clark House and the James Mitchell House. You can also find the Old Indiana County Courthouse and the Indiana Borough 1912 Municipal Building. The Indiana Armory and the Old Indiana County Jail and Sheriff's Office are also part of this historic area.
Why is This District Important?
The Downtown Indiana Historic District was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. This means it's recognized by the United States government as a place worth preserving. It helps protect these old buildings and the park so future generations can enjoy them and understand Indiana's rich history.
