Old Wethersfield facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Old Wethersfield Historic District
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Joseph Webb and Isaac Stevens Houses
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | Bounded by Hartford, railroad tracks, I-91, and Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, Connecticut |
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| Area | 1,300 acres (530 ha) |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Colonial, Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000719 |
| Added to NRHP | December 29, 1970 |
Old Wethersfield is a special part of Wethersfield, Connecticut. It's also known as the Old Wethersfield Historic District. This area is famous for being the very first permanent European-American settlement in the state of Connecticut.
Imagine stepping back in time! This historic district is filled with old buildings. It shows how a community grew from 1634 until today.
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A Glimpse into History
The land for this early settlement was bought from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. In its first years, Wethersfield was a busy place. It was a key transportation spot on the Connecticut River. Boats and goods moved through here often.
Protecting the Past
In 1962, the town created the Old Wethersfield Historic District. This was done to keep its many old buildings safe. These buildings show different styles of architecture from over the years.
Eight years later, in 1970, the district got a special honor. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of important historical sites in the United States.
Homes from Long Ago
The Old Wethersfield Historic District is quite large. It covers about 1,300 acres (about 5.3 square kilometers). Inside, you'll find around 1,200 buildings.
Many of these buildings are very old. About 50 houses were built even before the American Revolutionary War (which started in 1775!). There are also about 250 more houses built before the 1900s. Around 100 of these were built before the American Civil War (which ended in 1865).
Many of the oldest houses were built by sea captains. They are made of wood and brick. You can find them around the town's central green area.
Famous Old Buildings
Old Wethersfield is home to some very important buildings. Three of them are even called National Historic Landmarks. This means they are recognized as being super important to the history of the United States.
- Buttolph–Williams House at 249 Broad St.
- Joseph Webb House at 211 Main St.
- Silas Deane House at 203 Main St.
Another well-known old building in the district is the First Church of Christ, Wethersfield. It's a beautiful church with a long history.
The Town Green
At the heart of the district is Wethersfield's green. It's a long, narrow, diamond-shaped park. It stretches for almost half a mile! This green space has been a central part of the community for centuries.
