Elm–Maple–South Streets Historic District facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Elm–Maple–South Streets Historic District
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. Historic district
Mercantile Building
Location in Massachusetts Show map of Massachusetts Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Area	25.1 acres (10.2 ha)
Built	1860 (1860)
Architect	Franz, Joseph; et al.
Architectural style	Federal, Greek Revival
NRHP reference No.	04000932
Added to NRHP	September 8, 2004

The Elm–Maple–South Streets Historic District is a special area in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. It is recognized as a historic district because it has many old and important buildings. This district is next to the Main Street Historic District, which is another famous part of Stockbridge.

This historic area is bordered by railroad tracks near the Housatonic River to the south. To the east, you'll find Laurel Hill, a pretty wooded park. On the west side, there's a terraced area near the river plains. The district includes properties on Depot, Elm, Maple, and South Streets, plus Laurel Lane. Unlike Main Street, this district has more homes packed closer together. It also has smaller roads with businesses just off Main Street. Most of its buildings were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Elm Street, in particular, used to be an industrial area. This district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

What is the History of Stockbridge?

Stockbridge was started in the 1730s. It was first a community for "Praying Indians," which were Native Americans who had converted to Christianity. The main settlement was right where the downtown area is now.

How Did South Street Begin?

South Street began as an old Native American trail. This trail led south and crossed the river at a shallow spot where people could walk across. The first bridge near the modern one was built in 1744.

How Did the Area Grow?

By the late 1700s, the spot where Main and South Streets meet became a very important business center. Closer to the river, small industries started to grow. One of the first printing businesses in Berkshire County began here. By the mid-1800s, there was also a blacksmith shop.

A few houses were built in the area by the early 1800s. But it wasn't until the 1850s that many more houses started to appear south of Main Street. Many of these homes belonged to people who worked in trades for travelers. Others were involved in businesses on Main Street.

Who Lived in the Tidmarsh-Edwards House?

One of the oldest and largest houses in the district is the Tidmarsh-Edwards House. It's located at 8 South Street. This house has had several famous residents. One notable person was John Z. Goodrich, who was a politician and a businessman.