Newtown Borough Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Newtown Borough Historic District
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Edmond Town Hall
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly, Main St. from Hawley Rd. to Academy Ln., Newtown, Connecticut |
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| Area | 100 acres (40 ha) |
| Built | 1780 |
| Architect | multiple |
| Architectural style | Colonial, Italianate, Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 96001458 |
| Added to NRHP | December 20, 1996 |
The Newtown Borough Historic District is a special area in Newtown, Connecticut. It covers about 100 acres and is filled with old buildings and sites. This district is important because it helps protect the history and unique look of the area.
It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). This means it's recognized by the United States government for its historical value. The buildings here date back to 1780, showing us what life was like long ago.
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What Makes This District Special?
The Newtown Borough Historic District was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. It includes many historic buildings and places. About 225 buildings in the district are considered "contributing." This means they add to the historical importance of the area.
One unique spot is the "Ram's Pasture." This is a meadow that was once common land for everyone in the community. It's a great example of how people lived and shared resources in the past.
Historic Buildings and Sites
The district is home to several very important buildings and places. Each one tells a part of Newtown's story.
The Glover House
The Glover House is one of the key historic buildings in the district. It's recognized for its historical importance.
Caleb Baldwin Tavern
The Caleb Baldwin Tavern was built around 1763. It's a two-and-a-half-story house with a lot of history. This tavern was a stop for French troops led by General Rochambeau. They marched through Newtown in 1781 on their way to the Siege of Yorktown during the American Revolutionary War. Some of the army's officers even stayed here. The tavern also shows us what traditional 18th-century New England architecture looked like.
Other Important Places
- 17 Main Street: This was the home of Arthur J. Smith, who started the Newtown Bee newspaper in 1877.
- Liberty Pole/Flagpole: A symbol of freedom and community spirit.
- Soldiers and Sailors Monument: A memorial honoring those who served.
- Edmond Town Hall: An important public building in the heart of Newtown.
- Matthew Curtiss House: Located at 44 Main Street, this house is now a museum run by the Newtown Historical Society. It helps people learn about Newtown's past.
- Gen. Daniel Baldwin House: At 38 Main Street, this building stands out with its formal Georgian style. It's different from many other buildings in the area.
- Cyrenius H. Booth Library: A central part of the community, providing books and resources.
Protecting the District
People in Newtown care a lot about protecting their historic district. In 2003, residents protested a plan to build a communications tower. They gathered 700 signatures on a petition. Because of their efforts, the tower was moved so it wouldn't be seen from the historic district. This shows how much the community values its history and scenic views.
