Hopkinton City Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Hopkinton City Historic District
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Hopkinton City Historic District in 2008
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 Location in Rhode Island
Location in the United States
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| Location | Hopkinton, Rhode Island |
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| NRHP reference No. | 74000010 |
| Added to NRHP | May 1, 1974 |
The Hopkinton City Historic District is a special area in Hopkinton, Rhode Island. It's like a preserved snapshot of an old town center. This district helps us remember what life was like long ago.
A historic district is a group of buildings, structures, or sites that are important because of their history or architecture. These areas are protected to keep their unique character. They tell stories about the past.
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Hopkinton City Historic District
The Hopkinton City Historic District is the heart of old Hopkinton. It's found where Rhode Island Route 3 meets several other roads. These include Woodville Road, Clark Falls Road, Townhouse Road, and Old Rockville Road. It's not a huge city center, but it's full of history.
What You'll Find There
This historic area has about twenty old homes. It also includes two church buildings. One of these churches is no longer used for services. You can also see the town hall and the local post office. These buildings show how people lived and worked in the past.
Important Buildings
Two buildings stand out in the district. They are great examples of old architecture.
The Thurston-Wells House
The Thurston-Wells House was built around 1800. It's a very old home. Later, in the mid-1800s, it was updated. It was given a "Victorian treatment." This means it got new decorations and styles popular during the Victorian era. It looks very grand.
The First Baptist Church
Across from the Thurston-Wells House is the First Baptist Church. This church was built in 1836. It's designed in the Greek Revival style. This style was popular in the 1800s. It often used columns and grand entrances, like ancient Greek temples.
A Busy Crossroads
Long ago, this area was a very important stop. It was on a major stagecoach route. Stagecoaches were like old-fashioned buses. They carried people and mail between towns. Route 3, which runs through the district, was part of this busy route. Travelers would stop here to rest or change horses.
However, things changed in the 20th century. A new highway, Interstate 95, was built nearby. This highway made travel much faster. People started using I-95 instead of the old stagecoach route. Because of this, Hopkinton City became less busy. It was no longer the main stop for travelers.
Protecting History
The Hopkinton City Historic District is important for its history. It shows us how towns grew and changed. To protect this special place, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. This means it's recognized as a significant historical site. It helps make sure these old buildings and their stories are preserved for the future.
Images for kids
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Hopkinton City Historic District in 2008
