East Wilson Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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East Wilson Historic District
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Shotgun houses on Ash Street
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 Location in North Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly bounded by E. Gold and Academy Sts., Ward Blvd., Woodard Street Ave. and Elvie St., and Railroad and Pender Sts., Wilson, North Carolina |
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| Area | 220 acres (89 ha) |
| Built | 1890 |
| Architect | Nestus Freeman; Multiple |
| Architectural style | Bungalow/craftsman, Queen Anne, Shotgun house |
| NRHP reference No. | 88000371 |
| Added to NRHP | April 11, 1988 |
The East Wilson Historic District is a special area in Wilson, North Carolina. It's like an outdoor museum filled with old buildings. This district is important because it shows how a community grew. It was a historically African-American neighborhood.
This area has 858 important old buildings and two other structures. They were built between about 1890 and 1940. These buildings show cool styles like Queen Anne, Bungalow, and Shotgun houses.
Contents
What is a Historic District?
A historic district is a group of buildings, sites, or objects. They are important because of their history, architecture, or culture. When an area becomes a historic district, it means people want to protect its unique character. It helps keep old buildings from being torn down.
The East Wilson Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. This is a list of places in the United States that are worth saving.
History of East Wilson
The East Wilson Historic District grew a lot between 1890 and 1940. This was a time when many African-American families and businesses settled here. The area became a lively community. It had homes, schools, and places of worship.
People worked hard to build this neighborhood. It became a center for African-American life in Wilson. The buildings tell the story of the people who lived and worked there.
Important Buildings and Styles
The district is known for its different types of architecture. Each style has its own unique look.
Queen Anne Style
Queen Anne houses are often very fancy. They have towers, turrets, and decorative porches. You might see different textures on the walls, like shingles and bricks. These homes were popular in the late 1800s.
Bungalow and Craftsman Styles
Bungalow and Craftsman homes are usually smaller and cozier. They often have low-pitched roofs and wide front porches. They use natural materials like wood and stone. These styles were popular in the early 1900s. They focus on handmade details.
Shotgun Houses
Shotgun houses are long and narrow. They have rooms lined up one after another. You can often see straight through the house from the front door to the back. These homes were common in the South. They were a simple and affordable way to build.
Famous Homes in the District
Many important people lived in the East Wilson Historic District. Their homes are now part of its history.
- The Reverend Henry W. Farrior House was built around 1890.
- The Charles Thomas House is another notable home.
- The Samuel Vick House belonged to a community leader.
- The Dr. Mathew Gillam House was home to a local doctor.
Schools and Community Places
Schools were very important to the community.
- The Wilson Colored High School was built in 1924. It provided education for African-American students.
- The Samuel H. Vick Elementary School was built in 1939. It continued to serve the children of the district.
These buildings show the strong community spirit in East Wilson. They remind us of the people who built and lived in this special place.
