Hampton Hill Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Hampton Hill Historic District
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Congregational Church
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | Main St., Old Route 6, Cedar Swamp Rd., Hampton, Connecticut |
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| Area | 120 acres (49 ha) |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Mid 19th Century Revival, Early Republic, Colonial |
| NRHP reference No. | 82004408 |
| Added to NRHP | September 23, 1982 |
The Hampton Hill Historic District is a special area in Hampton, Connecticut. It's like a time capsule showing how a small town looked long ago. This district stretches for about 1 mile (1.6 km) along Connecticut Route 97. It's known for its old buildings, many of which are from the 1800s. Some houses are even older, from the 1700s!
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What is a Historic District?
A historic district is a special area recognized for its important history and old buildings. These places are protected to help keep their unique look and feel. The Hampton Hill Historic District helps us remember the past of this small town.
A Glimpse into the Past
The town of Hampton was first settled way back in 1709. The area known as Hampton Hills grew up around a crossroads. This was where the main north-south road (now Main Street) met an east-west road (now Old Route 6). The first church was built here in 1728. The town officially became Hampton in 1786.
How the Town Grew
For a long time, Hampton was mostly a farming community. Its population actually went down during the 1800s. In the 1900s, more people started to move in. However, big factories and railroads didn't come to the town center. This meant that many of the old buildings from the 1800s were kept safe and sound. Today, the town center still looks much like it did long ago.
Old Buildings and Styles
The Hampton Hill Historic District has 62 historic buildings. Most of these were built in the 1800s. But some are even older, with 15 houses from the 1700s! These buildings show different styles that were popular from the mid-1700s to the early 1900s. You can see many common designs from that time.
Notable Structures
One of the oldest buildings is a tavern from around 1727. A tavern was a place where travelers could eat and stay. This old building is now a private home. The town hall is also in the district. It's in a building that used to be a fire station from the 1920s.
National Register of Historic Places
The Hampton Hill Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This is a list kept by the United States government. It includes places that are important to American history, architecture, or culture. Being on this list helps protect these special places for future generations.
