Morrison Main Street Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Morrison Main Street Historic District
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The H.A. Boyd Building
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly between Orange & Madison Sts., Lincolnway, UPRR, Morrison, Illinois |
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| NRHP reference No. | 14000511 |
| Added to NRHP | August 25, 2014 |
The Morrison Main Street Historic District is a special area in downtown Morrison, Illinois. It's like a historical treasure chest! This district covers eight city blocks and has 65 buildings. Out of these, 53 are considered "contributing buildings." This means they help show the area's history and are important to the district's special character.
The district started growing in the 1850s. This was around the same time Morrison was first planned out and became a town. The area kept developing through the mid-1900s. Its growth was closely linked to farming, which was the main business in Morrison. Important transportation routes like the Chicago and North Western Railway in the 1800s and the Lincoln Highway in the 1900s helped the district grow even more.
Many buildings here show off the Italianate and High Victorian Eclectic styles. These styles were very popular in the mid-to-late 1800s. You can also find other cool styles like Romanesque Revival, Commercial, Classical Revival, and Modernist designs.
This historic district was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 25, 2014. This list recognizes places that are important to the history of the United States.
Contents
What Makes a Historic District Special?
A historic district is a group of buildings, structures, or objects that are important because of their history or architecture. They often tell a story about how a town or city developed over time.
Why is Morrison's Main Street Important?
Morrison's Main Street is special because it shows how the town grew. The buildings here reflect different time periods and styles. They remind us of the people who lived and worked there long ago.
How Buildings Get on the National Register
For a place to be added to the National Register of Historic Places, it must meet certain rules. It needs to be important for its history, architecture, or what it represents. Experts study the buildings and their past to decide if they qualify.
Architectural Styles You Can See
The Morrison Main Street Historic District is like an outdoor museum of architecture! You can see many different building styles.
Italianate Style: A Popular Choice
The Italianate style was very popular in the 1800s. Buildings in this style often have:
- Tall, narrow windows
- Decorative brackets under the roof
- Low-pitched roofs
Victorian Eclectic: Mixing and Matching
High Victorian Eclectic buildings often combine features from different styles. They can be very detailed and grand. This style was also popular in the 1800s.
Other Cool Styles to Spot
As you explore the district, you might also notice:
- Romanesque Revival: Buildings that look like old Roman or medieval structures, often with round arches.
- Commercial Style: Simple, practical buildings designed for businesses.
- Classical Revival: Buildings that look like ancient Greek or Roman temples, with columns.
- Modernist: Buildings with clean lines and simple shapes from the 20th century.
How Transportation Helped Morrison Grow
Transportation played a big role in the growth of Morrison's Main Street.
The Power of the Railway
In the 1800s, the Chicago and North Western Railway connected Morrison to other places. This made it easier to bring goods in and send farm products out. More businesses came to Main Street because of this easy connection.
The Lincoln Highway: A Road Trip History
Later, in the 1900s, the Lincoln Highway passed through Morrison. This was one of America's first cross-country roads. It brought travelers and more business to the town, helping Main Street continue to thrive.
