Main Street Historic District (Easthampton, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Main Street Historic District
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Town Hall
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Main St., Easthampton, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 45 acres (18 ha) |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Mixed (more Than 2 Styles From Different Periods), Queen Anne |
| NRHP reference No. | 86000451 |
| Added to NRHP | March 17, 1986 |
The Main Street Historic District is a special part of Easthampton, Massachusetts. It covers the main street between Northampton and Center Streets. This area has been the town's important center for business and government since 1785. Many buildings here were built between the 1840s and 1880s. They often show the Italianate style, which was popular then.
You can also see buildings in the Greek Revival style. This style looks like ancient Greek temples. Important town buildings are here too. These include the Town Hall, the public library, and the First Congregational Church. This historic district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. This means it is a very important place in American history.
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Exploring Main Street's History
The Main Street Historic District is like a living museum. It shows how Easthampton grew over time. The buildings tell stories of the people who lived and worked here.
Key Buildings to See
The district has many interesting buildings. Each one adds to the area's unique character.
Easthampton Town Hall
The Town Hall is a large brick building. It was built in 1869. Its design is in the Italianate style. This style often features tall windows and decorative details. A famous architect from Boston, Charles E. Parker, designed it.
Easthampton Public Library
The public library is another important building. It was designed in 1881. Its style is called "Old English." This style often looks like older English homes or buildings. The well-known architects Peabody & Stearns designed it.
First Congregational Church
The First Congregational Church is also made of brick. It was built in 1851. This church shows the Romanesque Revival style. This style often has round arches and strong, heavy walls. It was the second church building for this group of people.
How Easthampton Grew
Easthampton was settled in the early 1700s. It became its own town in 1786. Before that, it was part of Northampton and Southampton.
From Farms to Factories
At first, Easthampton was mostly a farming town. The town center grew around its first meeting house. This was near the Manhan River. There was an early mill there too. Big changes started in the 1840s. A school for boys opened, and a button factory began. The factory used water power from a small river that formed Nashawannuck Pond. This led to more factories and businesses growing near the town center.
