Jonesborough Historic District facts for kids
Jonesborough Historic District
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![]() Main Street, part of the Jonesborough Historic District
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Location | Jonesborough, Tennessee |
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Area | 120 acres (49 ha) |
Architectural style | Queen Anne, Greek Revival, Federal |
NRHP reference No. | 69000183 (original) 100004686 (increase) |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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Added to NRHP | December 23, 1969 |
Boundary increase | November 27, 2019 |
The Jonesborough Historic District is a special area in Jonesborough, Tennessee, filled with old and important buildings. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. This list helps protect places that are important to history.
In 1969, experts from the Tennessee Historical Commission looked at 158 buildings in Jonesborough. They decided that 72 of these buildings were very important and worth saving. These buildings show off different styles of architecture, like Queen Anne, Greek Revival, and Federal. The historic district covers more than 120 acres.
Some of the cool buildings in the district include the Jonesborough United Methodist Church, which was built in 1847. There's also the Washington County Courthouse, built in 1913, and the Chester Inn, which is very old, built around 1797.
The district isn't a perfect square or circle. It's an interesting shape, generally found near College Street, Main Street, Franklin Avenue, Depot Street, and 3rd Avenue.
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Exploring Jonesborough's Building Styles
Just like clothes or cars have different styles, buildings do too! Jonesborough has many buildings that show off different architectural styles. Even though some buildings mix styles, we can see at least six main types.
Federal Style Buildings
Some of the oldest buildings in Jonesborough are built in the Federal style. This style often looks a bit like the older Georgian style. You might notice special "stair-step" designs on the roofs, called crow-stepped gables. Many of these buildings are made of brick, often with a special pattern called Flemish bond.
Greek Revival Style Buildings
You might also see the "stair-step" roof designs on some Greek Revival buildings in Jonesborough. Many of the porches on these homes were added much later than the main building.
Victorian Period Buildings
The Victorian period includes styles like Italianate, Gothic Revival, and Queen Anne. These styles became popular in Jonesborough around the time of the Civil War. The Italianate style is very common, especially seen in the porches of homes.
The Old Gresham House This house was built in 1828. It was updated around 1900 with Queen Anne and Colonial Revival styles. It has two stories and an interesting, uneven shape. The house has a brick foundation and wooden siding. It has a pointed roof and three chimneys. A large porch covers the front of the house.
Post-Victorian and Classical Revival Buildings
After the Victorian era, new styles appeared, often looking back to ancient Greek and Roman designs.
Bungalow Style Homes
Bungalows are a popular style of house, often smaller and with a cozy feel.
Minimal Traditional Style Homes
This style is simpler and often seen in homes built in the mid-20th century.
Other Interesting Buildings
Jonesborough also has other unique buildings that don't fit neatly into the main styles.
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Christopher Taylor House, 118 Main Street, built around 1778. It's a log cabin.