Gainsboro Historic District facts for kids
|
Gainsboro Historic District
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Bounded by Wells, Centre, 1st St. Bridge and Gilmer, Commonwealth, N. Jefferson and 2nd., Patton, Harrison etc., Roanoke, Virginia |
|---|---|
| Area | 73.8 acres (29.9 ha) |
| Built | 1852 |
| Architectural style | Queen Anne, Bungalow/craftsman, et al. |
| NRHP reference No. | 05001276 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | November 16, 2005 |
The Gainsboro Historic District is a special area in Roanoke, Virginia. It's like a time capsule! This district protects many old and important buildings. These buildings show the rich history of the Gainsboro neighborhood. Gainsboro is a historic African-American neighborhood in Northwest Roanoke.
The district includes 202 main buildings and one important structure. Most of these buildings were built a long time ago. They were built between 1890 and 1925. You can find homes, churches, and businesses here. There's also a library, a theater, and even an old hotel.
Two other special places are inside this district. These are the Gainsboro Branch of the Roanoke City Public Library and the Henry Street Historic District. The Gainsboro Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. This means it's recognized as a very important historical site.
Contents
What is a Historic District?
Have you ever wondered what a 'historic district' is? It's an area that has many old buildings. These buildings are important because of their history. They tell us about how people lived long ago.
When an area becomes a historic district, it gets special protection. This helps keep the old buildings safe. It also helps preserve the unique look and feel of the neighborhood. It's like a museum, but with real homes and shops!
Discovering Gainsboro's Past
The Gainsboro neighborhood has a very rich history. It was a lively center for the African-American community in Roanoke. Many people lived, worked, and went to school here. It was a place where families grew and businesses thrived.
The district covers about 73.8 acres. It includes many different kinds of buildings. These buildings show how the neighborhood changed over time. They also show the different styles of architecture that were popular.
Homes and Family Life
Many buildings in the Gainsboro Historic District are homes. You can see single-family houses and buildings with multiple apartments. These homes were built in popular styles of the time. Some examples include Queen Anne and Bungalow/Craftsman styles.
Imagine families living in these homes over a hundred years ago! They would have walked to nearby shops and churches. The streets would have been full of life and activity.
Community and Gathering Places
Gainsboro was also home to important community buildings. There are three churches within the district. Churches were often central to community life. They were places for worship, meetings, and social events.
The district also includes a parish hall. This building would have been used for church activities and gatherings. These places helped bring the community together.
Education and Entertainment
The Gainsboro Library is another key building. It was a place for learning and reading. Libraries are important for everyone in a community. They provide access to books and information.
There's also a theater in the district. Imagine going to see a show or a movie there! The theater would have been a fun place for entertainment. It was a spot where people could relax and enjoy themselves.
Businesses and Services
The district also has several commercial buildings. These were shops and businesses. People would have bought their groceries or other goods here. There are also two medical office buildings. These provided important healthcare services to the community.
An old hotel is also part of the district. Hotels were important for travelers and visitors. They also served as places for community events. One industry building is also included. This shows the working life of the neighborhood.
Why Gainsboro is Important
The Gainsboro Historic District is important for many reasons. It helps us remember the history of Roanoke. It especially highlights the history of the African-American community. The buildings tell stories of resilience and community spirit.
By preserving these buildings, we learn about the past. We can understand how people lived and built their lives. It helps future generations connect with their heritage.
Becoming a National Historic Site
The Gainsboro Historic District was officially recognized in 2005. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places across the United States. These places are considered important to American history.
Being on this list helps protect the district. It also brings attention to its historical value. It means Gainsboro is a special place that everyone should know about.
