Madison Green Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Madison Green Historic District
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View of the green and the congregational church
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | 446-589 Boston Post Rd. and structures surrounding the green, Madison, Connecticut |
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| Area | 40 acres (16 ha) |
| Built | 1641 |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Italianate, Georgian |
| NRHP reference No. | 82004353 |
| Added to NRHP | June 28, 1982 |
The Madison Green is a special open space in the heart of Madison, Connecticut. It's like a town park or common area. This green space is the main part of the Madison Green Historic District. You can find it right next to the main shopping street, United States Route 1. The green is surrounded by roads: United States Route 1 to the south, Meeting House Lane to the east and north, and Copse Road to the west. Many important buildings stand around the green, making it a historic and busy spot.
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What is the Madison Green?
The Madison Green is a large, grassy area in the center of town. It's a place where people gather and enjoy the outdoors. Many towns in New England have a "town green" like this. These greens often served as central meeting places in the past.
Important Buildings Around the Green
Several historic buildings are located around the Madison Green. They show the town's long history.
- First Congregational Church: This church was built in 1838. It is one of the most noticeable buildings around the green. Its tall steeple is a landmark.
- Memorial Hall: Built in 1896, this building has been used for community events.
- Community Meeting Building: This building, from around 1884, also served as a place for town gatherings.
- Academy Elementary School: This school building dates back to 1884. It shows how important education was to the town.
- Lee Academy: Built in 1821, Lee Academy is another old school building.
Across the Boston Post Road, you can see many old houses. These homes were built in the 1700s and 1800s. The oldest house in Madison, the Deacon John Grave House, built in 1681, is just east of the green.
Honoring Our Heroes
In the southeast corner of the green, there are three memorials. These monuments remember people who served in wars.
- One large rock has a bronze plaque. It honors veterans who fought in World War One.
- Another large gray stone has a bronze plaque. It remembers those who fought in World War Two, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
- A smaller rock has a bronze plaque. This one remembers the soldiers from the Revolutionary War.
A flagpole stands proudly in the very center of the green.
History of the Green
The Madison Green has a long and interesting history. It has been a central part of the town for centuries.
How the Green Started
The green was first set up in 1705. At that time, this area was part of Guilford, Connecticut. It became the location for a new meeting house. A meeting house was a building where people gathered for church services and town meetings. This was for the new East Guilford parish.
Growing into a Town Center
From this beginning, the area around the green grew into a busy village center. When Madison officially became its own town in 1826, the green became the town's main center. It has remained an important gathering place ever since.
National Recognition
Because of its history and important buildings, the Madison Green Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This means it is recognized as a special place worth preserving.
