Haddam Center Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Haddam Center Historic District
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The former town hall
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly 2.5 miles (4.0 km) along Walkley Hill Rd. and CT 154/Saybrook Rd., Haddam, Connecticut |
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| Area | 267 acres (108 ha) |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Colonial, and Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 89000012 |
| Added to NRHP | February 9, 1989 |
The Haddam Center Historic District is a special area in Haddam, Connecticut. It covers about 267 acres. This district protects many old homes and important buildings. These buildings show how the town grew over time. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. This happened because the Haddam Historical Society worked hard to preserve it.
A Look Back at Haddam Center
Haddam Center was first planned in 1662. Early settlers set aside land for a meeting house and a minister's home. The town grew slowly at first. This was because the land was not very good for farming.
Growth and Change
After the American Revolution, Haddam began to grow more. A new road, the Middlesex Turnpike, helped a lot. This road followed what are now CT 154 and Walkley Hill Road. Haddam Center became an important stop on this turnpike. The town also benefited from boats on the Connecticut River. The river forms the eastern edge of the district.
Around 1850, new ways to travel arrived. Steamships and railroads became popular. This made the turnpike less important. As a result, Haddam Center's growth slowed down.
What You Can See Today
The Haddam Center Historic District stretches for about 2.5 miles. It follows CT 154 and Walkley Hill Road. The district is known for its beautiful old houses. Many of these homes were built in the Federal period. This was a time after the American Revolution.
Important Buildings
You can also see several public buildings. These were built in the mid-1800s. They are made from granite that was found nearby. The district includes the James Hazelton House. This house is also listed separately on the National Register. Another important building is the Brainerd Memorial Library.
