Fountain Hill Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Fountain Hill Historic District
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Masonic Temple, June 2013.
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly bounded by Brighton, Wyandotte, W. Fourth and Seminole Sts., and Delaware Ave., Bethlehem, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 33.6 acres (13.6 ha) |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals, Late Victorian, Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 88000450 |
| Added to NRHP | April 21, 1988 |
The Fountain Hill Historic District is a special area in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, that has many old and important buildings. It's like a preserved neighborhood where you can see how people lived and built things a long time ago. This district is located in both Lehigh County and Northampton County, Pennsylvania.
This historic district includes many unique buildings. You'll find grand mansions, which were large homes for wealthy families. There are also smaller houses where managers and merchants lived. Important public buildings, like churches, are also part of the district.
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Discovering Fountain Hill's Historic Buildings
The Fountain Hill Historic District is famous for its beautiful and historic buildings. Many of these homes show off different styles of architecture from the late 1800s and early 1900s. It's a great place to see how buildings looked in the past.
Grand Mansions of the Past
Some of the most impressive buildings in the district are the large mansions. These homes were built for important families and often have very detailed designs.
- The Linderman / Schwab Mansion was built around 1870. It's one of the oldest and most notable homes here.
- The Robert Sayre House dates back to about 1857. Robert Sayre was an important figure in the area's history.
- The Elisha Packer Wilbur Mansion was built around 1863. This house also shows the grand style of the time.
Important Public Buildings
Beyond the homes, the district also features significant public buildings that have played a role in the community.
- The Masonic Temple is a well-known building in the district. It has a unique architectural style.
- The Nativity Episcopal Cathedral was built around 1866. This church is a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture.
Other Notable Structures
The Fountain Hill Historic District also includes other important landmarks that are part of its history.
- The Hill to Hill Bridge is a famous bridge that connects parts of Bethlehem. It's an important part of the district's landscape.
- The Lehigh Valley Railroad Headquarters Building is also located within the district. This building was once the main office for a major railroad company. It is so important that it is listed separately on the National Register of Historic Places.
Why Fountain Hill is a Historic Place
The Fountain Hill Historic District was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. This means that the district and its buildings are recognized as important parts of American history and culture. Being on this list helps protect these special places for future generations to enjoy and learn from.
Gallery
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Robert Sayre Mansion.
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William Sayre Mansion.
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Linderman-Schwab Mansion.
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Edwin Drake House.
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Residence on Seneca Street.
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Residence on West Third Street.
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Nativity Episcopal Cathedral.
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Parish Office Hall at Nativity Episcopal Cathedral.
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Wilbur Trust and Lehigh Valley Railroad Headquarters.
