Geneseo Historic District facts for kids
|
Geneseo Historic District
|
|
Main Street’s Bear Fountain, the best-known symbol of Geneseo, here decorated with flags for Memorial Day.
|
|
 Location in New York
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Geneseo, New York |
|---|---|
| Area | 608 acres (246 ha) |
| Architect | Claude Bragdon, et al. (original) Robert Sherlock, et al. (increase) |
| Architectural style | Italianate, Federal, Queen Anne (original) Mid–19th Century Revival, Late 19th and 20th Century Revivals, Late Victorian (increase) |
| NRHP reference No. | 77000948 (original) 85000642 (increase) |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | July 9, 1977 |
| Boundary increase | March 21, 1985 |
| Designated NHLD | July 17, 1991 |
The Geneseo Historic District is a special area in Geneseo, New York. It was once called the Main Street Historic District. This district covers a large part of the town center. It's famous for having many buildings from the 1800s that still look much like they did back then.
Many of these buildings show off the beautiful Victorian architecture style. This style was popular in the 19th century. In 1977, the district was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places important to American history. Later, in 1991, it became a National Historic Landmark, which means it's even more important!
History of Geneseo
Geneseo was started in 1790 by two brothers, William and James Wadsworth. Their family played a very big role in shaping the town. They helped the town a lot with money and businesses. The Wadsworth family also planted many oak trees. Because of them, Geneseo now has lots of trees that are nearly 200 years old or even older!
In the early 1800s, Geneseo was a busy market town. Farmers from nearby areas would come here to sell their goods. The town got a big boost when a state school opened. This school is now known as SUNY Geneseo. It is located just west of the town's main business area. A big fire in 1864 destroyed much of the downtown. But the town quickly rebuilt itself.
What's in the District?
The Geneseo Historic District includes the town's old business center. It also has some of the most beautiful homes. Plus, it includes the huge 102.8-acre (0.416 km2) estate of the Wadsworth family. This estate, called The Homestead (Geneseo), was already listed as a historic place in 1974.
The district has 312 properties in total. About 288 of these buildings help make the district special. The buildings have different styles. Many were built in the Italianate and Queen Anne styles. These styles were popular in the second half of the 1800s. Some older homes were first built in the Federal style. But they were later updated to look like the Italianate or Queen Anne styles.
Important Places to See
Many interesting places are part of the Geneseo Historic District. Here are a few:
- Temple Hill Cemetery
- Avon Road, east side:
- The Hartford House, built around 1836, is another Wadsworth family property.
- Avon Road, west side:
- Soldiers Monument
- St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church
- St. Mary's Rectory
- Center Street, north side:
- Many homes and buildings, from 3 Center Street to 81 Center Street
- Central Presbyterian Church (built around 1939)
- 2nd Street:
- Wadsworth Library
- Geneseo Baptist Church
- Old Antheum Library
