National Register of Historic Places listings in Stamford, Connecticut facts for kids
Stamford, Connecticut, is a city with a rich history! Many of its special buildings and places are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a national list of important historical sites in the United States. When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized for its history, architecture, or what happened there.
In Stamford, there are 35 properties and historic areas on this list. One of them is even a National Historic Landmark, which is an even higher honor! These places help us learn about the past and understand how Stamford grew over time.
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Historic Places to Explore in Stamford
Stamford has many cool historic spots. Let's look at some of them!
Downtown Stamford's History
The heart of Stamford, the Downtown Stamford Historic District, is full of history. It includes many buildings from before the 1930s. You can see old shops, warehouses, and even the Avon Theatre, which was built in 1939. This area shows how the city center used to look and feel.
Old Town Hall
The Old Town Hall is a very important building in downtown Stamford. It's located where Atlantic, Bank, and Main Streets meet. Imagine all the decisions made and events that happened in this building over the years!
Suburban Club
The Suburban Club is another interesting building downtown. It's located on Suburban Avenue and Main Street. It has been a part of Stamford's social life for a long time.
Historic Homes and Buildings
Stamford is home to many old houses that tell stories of the past.
Agudath Sholem Synagogue
The Agudath Sholem Synagogue on Grove Street used to be a synagogue, a Jewish house of worship. Now, it's a church, showing how buildings can change and adapt over time while still holding historical value.
Cove Island Houses
Even though it sounds like many houses, the Cove Island Houses is actually one large house in Cove Island Park. It started as a smaller building in 1791 and grew over the years. It's a great example of old Georgian and Federal style architecture.
Deacon John Davenport House
The Deacon John Davenport House in North Stamford was built in 1775. It's a "saltbox" style house, which is a unique type of early American home. It's important because of its architecture and its connection to the Davenport family, who were early settlers.
Benjamin Hait House
The Benjamin Hait House on Hoyclo Road is one of the oldest houses in the area, built between 1728 and 1735. It's a rare example of an old New England farmhouse that still stands in what is now a suburban neighborhood.
Hoyt-Barnum House
Built around 1699, the Hoyt-Barnum House on Bedford Street is a very old farmhouse. It was made using a special building method called "timber frame" or "post and beam," with walls built from field stone, clay, animal hair, and straw!
John Knap House
The John Knap House on Stillwater Road was built around 1705. It's believed to be the second oldest house in Stamford! It was owned by the Knap family for many years.
Linden Apartments
The Linden Apartments on Linden Place is a special building from 1886. It's the oldest six-unit apartment building in Stamford and shows off the "Second Empire" style of architecture.
Gustavus and Sarah T. Pike House
The Gustavus and Sarah T. Pike House on Fairfield Avenue is a beautiful "Queen Anne style" house built in 1880. It's a great example of how machine-made details became popular in home building during that time.
Octagon House
The Octagon House on Strawberry Hill Avenue was a unique eight-sided house. Sadly, it seems to have been torn down, but it's still remembered on the historic register.
C. J. Starr Barn and Carriage House
The C. J. Starr Barn and Carriage House on Strawberry Hill Avenue is another historic structure. Barns and carriage houses were very important for farms and transportation in the past.
Historic Churches
Many churches in Stamford are also on the National Register, showing their importance to the community's history and architecture.
Church of the Holy Name
The Church of the Holy Name on Washington Boulevard is a historic church.
St. Andrew's Protestant Episcopal Church
St. Andrew's Protestant Episcopal Church on Washington Boulevard is one of the churches recognized for its historical significance.
St. Benedict's Church
St. Benedict's Church on St. Benedict's Circle is another historic church in Stamford.
St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church
Built in 1869, St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church on Main Street is a beautiful and historic place of worship.
St. Luke's Chapel
St. Luke's Chapel on Pacific Street is located within the South End Historic District.
St. Mary's Church
St. Mary's Church on Elm Street is a Roman Catholic church with historical importance.
Unitarian-Universalist Church
The Unitarian-Universalist Church on Forest Street is also a recognized historic site.
Zion Lutheran Church
The Zion Lutheran Church on Glenbrook Road is a great example of "Neo-Gothic architecture," built with striking red brick.
Other Unique Historic Sites
Fort Stamford Site
The Fort Stamford Site on Westover Road is now a city park. It was once a fort, playing a role in past conflicts and protecting the area.
Marion Castle, Terre Bonne
Marion Castle, Terre Bonne on Rogers Road in the Shippan Point neighborhood is a grand and historic castle-like building.
Merritt Parkway
The Merritt Parkway is a famous historic road that runs through many towns, including Stamford. It's known for its beautiful bridges and scenic design. The listing includes the bridges that cross over and carry this historic parkway.
Stamford Harbor Lighthouse
The Stamford Harbor Lighthouse stands south of the breakwater in Stamford Harbor. Lighthouses are important guides for ships and often have interesting stories.
US Post Office-Stamford Main
The US Post Office-Stamford Main on Atlantic Street is the city's main post office and is recognized for its historical significance.
Rockrimmon Rockshelter
The Rockrimmon Rockshelter is a special archaeological site. It's a large boulder about 60 feet high that was used as a shelter by early Native Americans. This site helps us learn about the very first people who lived in this area.
Historic Bridges
Bridges are not just for crossing rivers; some are historic landmarks!
Main Street Bridge
The Main Street Bridge carries Main Street over the Rippowam River in downtown Stamford. It's special because it's Connecticut's only "wrought-iron lenticular truss" bridge left on a major road in a city. It was built by the Berlin Iron Bridge Company.
Turn-of-River Bridge
The Turn-of-River Bridge on Old North Stamford Road also crosses the Rippowam River. This "lenticular pony truss" bridge was built in 1892 by the Berlin Iron Bridge Company, using a unique lens-shaped design.
Historic Neighborhoods
Beyond individual buildings, entire neighborhoods can be historic!
Hubbard Heights Historic District
The Hubbard Heights Historic District includes Hubbard Avenue and the surrounding area. It's recognized for its historic character and buildings.
Long Ridge Village Historic District
The Long Ridge Village Historic District is a historic area that includes Old Long Ridge Road and nearby streets. It's a place where you can see how a village developed over time.
Revonah Manor Historic District
The Revonah Manor Historic District is roughly bounded by Urban Street, East Avenue, Fifth, and Bedford Streets. It's a neighborhood with a distinct historical feel.
South End Historic District
The South End Historic District is a large area with 449 buildings, mostly from the 1870s to the 1930s. It also includes an old cemetery and an iron bridge, showing how the neighborhood grew and changed.