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New Milford Center Historic District facts for kids

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New Milford Center Historic District
NewMilfordCT TownHall.jpg
New Milford Town Hall
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Location Bennett and Elm Sts., Center Cemetery, East, S. Main, Mill, and Railroad Sts., New Milford, Connecticut
Area 55 acres (22 ha)
Built 1870 (1870)
Architect Northrup, Joseph W.; Et al.
Architectural style Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals, Late Victorian, Greek Revival
NRHP reference No. 86001255
Added to NRHP June 13, 1986

The New Milford Center Historic District is a special area in New Milford, Connecticut. It includes many of the important buildings and places that have been the heart of the town for a long time. This district shows how the town grew and changed over the years.

Exploring New Milford's Historic Center

How New Milford Grew Up

New Milford's town center first grew around its large town green. This green is a long, grassy area, about three blocks long. It was the main spot for town activities and businesses.

Things changed when the Housatonic Railroad opened in 1840. The area between the green and the railroad tracks started to develop. It quickly became a busy center for shops and services. New Milford grew into an important hub for nearby towns.

Later in the 1800s, tobacco became a major crop in the Housatonic River valley. New Milford became a key place for drying and processing tobacco leaves. This industry was one of the town's biggest employers.

Buildings from the Past

Because of this growth, the downtown area has many beautiful buildings. These buildings were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. They show different styles of architecture from that time.

The homes in the areas around downtown are also very old and special. Many of them were built during the same period. They add to the historic feel of the district.

What You'll Find in the District

The historic district covers a wide area of New Milford. On the east, it's bordered by East Street and South Main Street. Mill Street forms the southern edge. To the west, you'll find South Main Street and Railroad Street. The northern parts are Bennitt and Elm Streets.

One of the most notable features is the town green itself. It's one of the longest town greens in Connecticut. Important town buildings and homes line the green.

Near the southern end of the green, along Bank and Main Streets, you'll see many commercial buildings. These are often made of brick and stone. They show where businesses thrived.

Historic Homes and Landmarks

Around the edges of the district, especially on South Main, East, and Bennitt Streets, there are lovely Victorian-style houses. These homes were built in the 19th century.

Some buildings within the district are so important that they are listed separately. These include the United Bank Building and the E. A. Wildman & Co. Tobacco Warehouse. The historic railroad station is very close but is not part of this specific district.

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