Macomb Courthouse Square Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Macomb Courthouse Square Historic District
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly bounded by E. and W. Washington, S. McArthur, E. Calhoun, and S. Campbell Sts., Macomb, Illinois |
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| NRHP reference No. | 13000295 |
| Added to NRHP | May 22, 2013 |
The Macomb Courthouse Square Historic District is a special area in downtown Macomb, Illinois. It's like a time capsule showing how the town grew. This district covers many city blocks and has 65 important buildings. These buildings help tell the story of Macomb's past.
The main building in this area is the McDonough County Courthouse. It was built in 1871 and has a unique style called Second Empire. The courthouse sits in the middle of a square, which is a bit unusual for Illinois. Streets go around it, making it a special place to visit. Many buildings around the courthouse are shops, but some are also government offices.
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Discover Macomb's Historic Square
The Macomb Courthouse Square Historic District is a place where history comes alive. It shows how towns were planned and built long ago. This district helps us understand the history of Macomb and its people. It's a great example of how old buildings can be saved and enjoyed today.
What is a Historic District?
A historic district is a group of buildings, structures, or sites that are important because of their history or architecture. These areas are often protected to keep their special character. The buildings in a historic district are called "contributing buildings." They add to the district's overall historical feel.
The Unique Courthouse Design
The McDonough County Courthouse is the heart of the district. It was built in 1871. Its design is called Second Empire. This style was popular in the late 1800s. It often features tall towers and decorative roofs.
The way the courthouse square is set up is quite rare in Illinois. It's known as a "Harrisonburg-style" square. This means the courthouse is in the very center. Streets split around it, creating a unique layout. It's different from most town squares you might see.
Buildings and Their Styles
The buildings around the courthouse are mostly commercial. This means they were once shops or businesses. Many of them are made of brick. You can see different architectural styles on these buildings.
- Italianate: This style was popular in the mid-1800s. Buildings often have tall, narrow windows and decorative brackets under the roof.
- Queen Anne: Popular in the late 1800s, this style features towers, turrets, and different textures.
- Art Deco: For buildings from the early 1900s, you might see Art Deco. This style uses geometric shapes and sleek lines.
- Moderne: Also from the early 1900s, Moderne style is simpler than Art Deco. It focuses on smooth surfaces and rounded corners.
These different styles show how architecture changed over time in Macomb.
Why is it Important?
The Macomb Courthouse Square Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 22, 2013. The National Register is a list of places in the United States that are important to history. Being on this list helps protect these special places. It means they are recognized for their historical value. This helps make sure they can be enjoyed by future generations.
 | Sharif Bey |
 | Hale Woodruff |
 | Richmond Barthé |
 | Purvis Young |
