Mechanicsburg Commercial Historic District (Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Mechanicsburg Commercial Historic District
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Main St. from Arch to High St., Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 16.7 acres (6.8 ha) |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian, Georgian |
| NRHP reference No. | 83002232 |
| Added to NRHP | April 21, 1983 |
The Mechanicsburg Commercial Historic District is a special area in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. It's like a time capsule! This district protects many old and important buildings in the town's main business area. Most of these buildings were built in the 1800s and show off beautiful styles like Victorian and Georgian. When you visit, you can see historic churches, banks, and even the police station, all preserved to tell the story of Mechanicsburg.
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What is a Historic District?
A historic district is a special part of a town or city. It's recognized because it has many buildings that are important to history or architecture. The goal of a historic district is to protect these old buildings and make sure they stay looking like they did in the past. This helps people learn about history and appreciate the unique character of a place. The Mechanicsburg Commercial Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. This means it's officially recognized as a place worth preserving.
Exploring Mechanicsburg's Historic Buildings
The Mechanicsburg Commercial Historic District covers about 16.7 acres. It includes 91 important buildings in the main business part of Mechanicsburg. Most of these buildings are from the 1800s. They show off two main architectural styles: Late Victorian and Georgian.
A Look Back in Time
The buildings in this district tell the story of Mechanicsburg's growth. They show how the town developed over time, especially during the 19th century. By preserving these buildings, we can see what the town looked like long ago.
Architectural Styles You'll See
- Victorian Style: Many buildings here show the Late Victorian style. This style was popular in the late 1800s. Victorian buildings often have lots of decorative details, like fancy trim, tall windows, and sometimes towers or turrets. They can look very grand and detailed.
- Georgian Style: You'll also find buildings in the Georgian style. This style was popular earlier, in the 1700s and early 1800s. Georgian buildings are usually more simple and balanced. They often have a very symmetrical look, with windows placed evenly on both sides of a central door.
Important Buildings in the District
Among the 91 buildings in the district, some stand out. You can see two historic churches, which were important gathering places for the community. There are also two old bank buildings, showing where money and business happened in the past. Even the police department building is part of this historic collection. These buildings help us understand how people lived and worked in Mechanicsburg many years ago.
