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North State Street Historic District
Grant and State in Monticello.jpg
712 North State
North State Street Historic District is located in Illinois
North State Street Historic District
Location in Illinois
North State Street Historic District is located in the United States
North State Street Historic District
Location in the United States
Location Roughly along N. State St., from 300-1100 blk., Monticello, Illinois
Area 30.5 acres (12.3 ha)
NRHP reference No. 98001045
Added to NRHP August 14, 1998

The North State Street Historic District is a special area in Monticello, Illinois, in Piatt County, Illinois. It is recognized as a historic district because of its important old buildings. This district is mostly residential, meaning it has many homes. It is located along State Street, just north of downtown Monticello.

There are 77 buildings in the district. Out of these, 56 are called contributing buildings. This means they help show the area's history and unique style. The houses here were built between 1870 and 1948. They show many different types of architecture that were popular in Monticello during that time.

Discover the North State Street Historic District

The North State Street Historic District is a fascinating place. It tells a story about how Monticello grew and changed over many years. Walking through this area is like taking a trip back in time. You can see how people lived and what their homes looked like long ago.

What Makes a Place a Historic District?

A historic district is a group of buildings, structures, or sites that are important because of their history, architecture, or culture. These areas are often protected to keep their special character. The North State Street Historic District is recognized nationally for its unique collection of homes.

A Look at the Homes in Monticello

The oldest homes in the North State Street Historic District were built in the Gothic Revival and Queen Anne styles. These styles were popular in the late 1800s. They often feature detailed woodwork, towers, and decorative windows.

Millionaire's Row: A Rich History

In the early 1900s, Monticello experienced a time of great economic growth. This was due to successful farming and the local patent medicine industry. Many wealthy residents decided to build their grand homes on State Street. Because of this, the street became known as "Millionaire's Row."

Most of these new, large homes were built in the Colonial Revival style. This style was very popular across the country at the time. Today, Colonial Revival is still the most common architectural style you will see in the district.

Different House Styles You'll See

Besides Gothic Revival, Queen Anne, and Colonial Revival, the North State Street Historic District also features other interesting house styles.

Craftsman Style Homes

Some homes are built in the Craftsman style. These houses often have natural materials like wood and stone. They also feature wide porches and exposed roof beams. This style emphasizes handmade quality and simple, clean lines.

Tudor Revival Architecture

You might also spot homes in the Tudor Revival style. These houses often look like old English cottages. They have steep roofs, tall chimneys, and decorative half-timbering on the outside.

The Unique Lustron House

One very unique home in the district is a Lustron house. This house was built in 1948. Lustron homes were special because they were made from steel panels. They were designed to be affordable and easy to build after World War II. It's a rare example of modern architecture in the district.

Vernacular House Types

The district also includes several vernacular house types. These are common, traditional styles built using local methods and materials. Examples include the I-house, which is a tall, narrow house with a central hall, and the bungalow, which is a smaller, often one-story house with a wide porch.

Becoming a Historic Place

The North State Street Historic District was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 14, 1998. This recognition helps protect the district and highlights its importance in American history and architecture.

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