Pittsfield Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Pittsfield Historic District
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Pike County Courthouse, near the center of the district, in 2008
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly bounded by Washington Ct., Sycamore, Morrison and Griggsville Sts., Pittsfield, Illinois |
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| Area | 214 acres (87 ha) |
| Architectural style | Italianate, Queen Anne |
| NRHP reference No. | 80001404 |
| Added to NRHP | June 4, 1980 |
The Pittsfield Historic District is a special area in Pittsfield, Illinois. It's like a time capsule showing how the town looked long ago. This district is the main part of Pittsfield, which is the county seat of Pike County.
The district is mostly around the Pike County Courthouse and the square around it. It also includes some old houses nearby. This whole area was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 4, 1980. This means it's recognized as an important historical place in the United States.
Contents
What is a Historic District?
A historic district is a group of buildings, structures, or objects that are important together. They often share a history, a style, or a purpose. These districts are protected to keep their unique character. They help us remember and learn about the past.
The Pike County Courthouse
The Pike County Courthouse is a very important building in the district. It was built between 1894 and 1895. The architect, Henry Elliott, designed it in the Romanesque Revival style. This style often uses round arches and strong, heavy stone. It looks a bit like old Roman buildings. The courthouse is the center of the district and a key landmark.
Historic Buildings and Their Styles
The Pittsfield Historic District has many interesting buildings. They show different architectural styles from the past.
Shops and Businesses
Most of the old shops and businesses are around the courthouse square. These buildings are usually two stories tall. They are often made of brick. These buildings were once busy places where people bought goods and ran their businesses.
Old Houses
The houses in the district are also very old and beautiful. Many of them are built in the Italianate style. This style was popular in the mid-1800s. Italianate houses often have tall, narrow windows and decorative brackets under the roof.
Another common style is Queen Anne. These houses are known for their towers, turrets, and decorative details. They often have different textures and colors on their outside walls.
Some of the very oldest homes in the district show the Greek Revival and Federal styles. Greek Revival homes look a bit like ancient Greek temples. Federal style homes are usually simpler and more elegant. They were popular in the early days of the United States.
