Downtown Salem Historic District (Salem, Virginia) facts for kids
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Downtown Salem Historic District
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Main Street in Salem
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly, Main St. from Broad St. to College Ave., Salem, Virginia |
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| Area | 25 acres (10 ha) |
| Built | 1838 |
| Architect | Craighill & Cardwell; Huggins, Henry Hartwell, et al. |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne |
| NRHP reference No. | 96000591 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | June 5, 1996 |
The Downtown Salem Historic District is a special area in Salem, Virginia. It's like a time capsule, showing how the town looked and grew over many years. This district is officially recognized as a historic place.
It includes 34 important buildings and one historic site. These buildings are mostly shops and businesses, but also churches, homes, and even a courthouse. They show off different building styles from the past.
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Exploring Salem's Historic Downtown
Imagine walking through a neighborhood where every building tells a story! That's what it's like in the Downtown Salem Historic District. It's a place where history comes alive.
What Makes a Place Historic?
A "historic district" is a group of buildings, structures, or sites that are important because of their history, architecture, or culture. These areas are protected to help people learn about the past. The Downtown Salem Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.
A Walk Through Time: Buildings and Styles
Most of the buildings in this district were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. They show off several cool architectural styles:
- Greek Revival: This style looks like ancient Greek temples. It often has tall columns and grand entrances.
- Italianate: Buildings in this style often have low-pitched roofs, wide eaves, and tall, narrow windows. They might remind you of Italian villas.
- Queen Anne: This style is known for being colorful and decorative. It often features towers, turrets, patterned shingles, and wrap-around porches.
The district has many different kinds of buildings. You'll find shops, churches, and old homes. There's also a courthouse, a post office, and a library. Even a park and a farmer's market are part of this historic area.
Famous Buildings in the District
Some buildings in the district are especially notable:
- The Stevens House (also called the "Old Post House") was built a long time ago, between the 1820s and 1830s.
- The Old Salem Municipal Building and Fire Department dates back to 1925.
- The Salem Theater (which is no longer a theater) was built in 1930.
Some very important buildings in the district are also listed separately as historic places. These include the Old Roanoke County Courthouse, the Salem Presbyterian Church, and the Salem Post Office.
Why is This Place Special?
The Downtown Salem Historic District helps us remember and appreciate the history of Salem. By preserving these old buildings, we can see how people lived and worked many years ago. It's a great way to connect with the past and understand how our communities grew.
