Main Street Commercial Historic District (Jefferson, Wisconsin) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Main Street Commercial Historic District
|
|
A portion of the district.
|
|
| Location | Roughly bounded by Dodge St., Center Ave., Mechanic St., and Rock R., Jefferson, Wisconsin |
|---|---|
| Area | 12 acres (4.9 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 97001627 |
| Added to NRHP | January 7, 1998 |
The Main Street Commercial Historic District is a special area in Jefferson, Wisconsin. It's like a time capsule, preserving many old and important buildings. This district shows how the town looked and worked in the past.
What is a Historic District?
A historic district is a specific area that has a group of buildings, structures, or objects that are important to history. These places are protected to keep their unique look and feel. They help us remember and learn about the past. The Main Street Commercial Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 7, 1998. This means it's officially recognized as a valuable historical site.
Exploring Main Street's Old Buildings
This historic district covers about 12 acres. It includes many of Jefferson's oldest downtown buildings. These buildings tell stories about the town's growth and changes over many years. Let's look at some of the cool buildings you can find here:
Famous Buildings You Can See
- Jefferson House Hotel (1860): This is one of the oldest buildings in the district. It was a hotel built way back in 1860. Imagine people traveling and staying here over 160 years ago!
- Neuer Saloon/Sample Room (1869/1907): This building started as a saloon in 1869. A saloon was a place where people gathered, often for drinks and food. It was updated in 1907.
- Beinfang Block (1884): Built in 1884, this building shows the Italianate style. This style often has tall, narrow windows and decorative details under the roof.
- Fisher Building (1892): The Fisher Building, from 1892, is a great example of Queen Anne architecture. This style is known for its towers, turrets, and different textures on the outside.
- Stoppenbach Meat Market (1896): This meat market, built in 1896, features the Gothic Revival style. This style often reminds people of old churches, with pointed arches and detailed stonework.
- Jefferson County Bank (1902): Built in 1902, this bank has an eclectic style. This means it mixes different architectural ideas and designs, making it unique.
- Farmers & Merchants Bank (1911-1912): This bank, built between 1911 and 1912, is in the Neoclassical style. This style often looks like ancient Greek or Roman buildings, with grand columns and balanced designs.
- C&NW Depot (1914): This building was a train station for the Chicago and North Western Transportation Company. Built in 1914, it's in the Craftsman style, which uses natural materials and simpler designs.
- Ziegler Garage (1930): From 1930, the Ziegler Garage shows the Art Deco style. This style was very popular in the 1920s and 1930s, known for its sleek lines, geometric shapes, and modern look.
These buildings together create a special place. They help us understand the history of Jefferson, Wisconsin, and how its downtown area grew over time.
