Paris Hill Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Paris Hill Historic District
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Paris Hill Baptist Church
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| Location | Main St. and Hannibal Hamlin Dr. E to Mt. Mica and Christian Ridge Rds., Paris Hill, Maine |
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| Area | 250 acres (100 ha) |
| Built | 1789 |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Federal, Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000243 |
| Added to NRHP | June 19, 1973 |
The Paris Hill Historic District is a special area in Paris, Maine, known for its old buildings. It shows what a village looked like in the 1800s. This village was once the main center for the town of Paris. It was also the county seat for Oxford County, meaning important county offices were here.
The county offices moved away in 1895. But many old homes, public buildings, and churches from the 1800s to the 1860s are still here. Because these buildings are so well-preserved, the area was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This means it's an important place to protect for history.
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Exploring Paris Hill's Historic Buildings
The village of Paris Hill sits high up on Paris Hill. It's about 831 feet (253 meters) above sea level. From here, you can see amazing views of the White Mountains to the west. The main road through this historic area is Paris Hill Road.
The center of the village is an old common, which is like a public park. Hannibal Hamlin Drive goes around this common. The historic district also includes parts of Lincoln and Tremont Streets. In total, the district covers about 250 acres (101 hectares).
Homes from the 1800s
Most of the houses in Paris Hill were built between 1800 and 1860. Not many new homes were built after 1895, when the county offices moved. The oldest house here is the Lemuel Jackson, Jr. House, built in 1789.
Many homes show off popular building styles from that time. These include the Federal style and the Greek Revival style. You can also find several Italianate style houses. There's even one unique Second Empire style house with a special mansard roof. Only one old store building remains. It was built around 1808 and later became a home.
Important Public Buildings
The buildings that once served the county are still in great shape. They are located around the common on Hannibal Hamlin Drive. These include the old courthouse, a brick office building, and a stone jail. The old jail is now used as a library!
Also on the common is the Baptist Church. It's a beautiful Greek Revival style building that was finished in 1838.
A Look Back: History of Paris Hill
Paris Hill was first called "Jackson Hill." This was after the person who owned the land at the top of the hill. People started settling in the Paris area around 1780. The town of Paris officially became a town in 1793.
Becoming a County Center
In 1805, Oxford County was created. Paris was chosen to be its county seat. This meant Paris would be the main place for the county government. Since Paris Hill was the town's center, the county buildings were built there. The Baptist Church and the Paris Hill Academy (a school built in 1856) were also built in the village.
Changes Over Time
Paris Hill didn't have a strong source of waterpower. Waterpower was very important for factories and businesses back then. Because of this, economic activity slowly moved to South Paris. This shift became even bigger when the railroad arrived in South Paris in 1847.
Many smaller businesses in Paris Hill eventually moved to South Paris. Finally, the county offices also moved there in 1895. Today, people who live in Paris Hill year-round and during the summer help keep the village special.
Famous People from Paris Hill
Paris Hill has been home to several important politicians from Maine. The most famous is Hannibal Hamlin (1809-1891). He was born in Paris Hill. Hamlin served as the United States Vice President for Abraham Lincoln during his first term.
Other Paris Hill residents also became Governor of Maine. These include Enoch Lincoln, Sidney Perham, and Albion Keith Parris.
