Doylestown Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Doylestown Historic District
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County Cinema, Doylestown Historic District, March 2010
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly bounded by Union, Cottage and E. Ashland Sts, Hillside Ave. and S. and N. West Sts., Doylestown, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 206 acres (83 ha) |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals, Late Victorian, Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 85001012 |
| Added to NRHP | May 10, 1985 |
The Doylestown Historic District is a special area in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It's like a living museum! This district is recognized for its many old and important buildings. These buildings help us understand what life was like long ago in Doylestown.
The district includes over 1,000 buildings that are considered important to history. These buildings are a mix of homes, shops, factories, and public buildings. You can see different styles of architecture here, like Late Victorian and Federal styles.
What is a Historic District?
A historic district is a group of buildings, places, or objects that are important because of their history, architecture, or culture. These areas are protected to help keep their unique character and stories alive. When an area becomes a historic district, it means its past is valued and should be preserved for future generations.
Exploring the Buildings of Doylestown
The Doylestown Historic District is home to many interesting old buildings. Each one tells a part of the town's story. For example, the Intelligencer Building, built in 1876, was once a newspaper office. Lenape Hall, from 1874, is another notable building.
You can also find the Hart Bank, built in 1850, and the old County Jail from 1885. The Henry Lear House (1875) and the Charles E. Meyers House (1887) are examples of beautiful old homes. The John Barclay House (1814) and the Meredith Shaw Mansion (around 1812) are even older. Shive's Hardware Store, built around 1833, shows us what old shops looked like.
Some buildings within the district are so important that they are listed separately. These include the Fountain House, the James-Lorah House, and the famous Mercer Museum (built in 1916). The Pugh Dungan House and the Shaw Historic District are also part of this special collection.
Why is the Doylestown Historic District Important?
The Doylestown Historic District helps us learn about the past. By protecting these old buildings, we can see how people lived, worked, and built their town over many years. It's like a giant history lesson you can walk through!
This district was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. Being on this national list means the area is recognized as very important to the history of the United States. This helps make sure these historic places are cared for and preserved for everyone to enjoy.
