Portland Yamhill Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Portland Yamhill Historic District
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| Location | Portland, Oregon, roughly bounded by SW Taylor and Morrison Streets, both sides of SW 2nd Avenue, and the Willamette River |
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| Area | 11.5 acres (4.7 ha) |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001587 |
| Added to NRHP | July 30, 1976 |
The Portland Yamhill Historic District is a special area in downtown Portland, Oregon. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important place in American history.
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Discover the Yamhill Historic District
This historic district is like a time capsule. It shows what Portland looked like long ago. It's located near the Willamette River. This area was once a busy part of the city.
What Makes a Place Historic?
A "historic district" is a group of buildings, structures, or sites that are important because of their history or architecture. The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of these special places in the United States. Being on this list helps protect these areas. It also helps people learn about their past.
A Look Back: Portland's Great Fire
In 1873, a huge fire swept through Portland. It destroyed a large part of the city, about 22 blocks! The Yamhill area was right in the middle of this disaster.
After the fire, the city quickly started to rebuild. By 1878, new buildings were going up everywhere. Many of the buildings you see in the Yamhill Historic District today were built right after this fire. They show how Portland bounced back.
Amazing Architecture: Italianate Style
Many buildings in the Yamhill Historic District were built between 1878 and 1887. A popular style at that time was called Italianate.
Italianate buildings often have:
- Tall, narrow windows
- Decorative brackets under the roof
- Ornate cornices (fancy ledges at the top)
- Sometimes, a low-pitched roof
There are 17 Italianate-style buildings in this district. They give the area a unique, old-world feel.
Famous Buildings in the District
The Yamhill Historic District is home to several interesting buildings. Each one has its own story:
- Leon Chung Company Building: This building is part of the district's history.
- Rensselaer Block: Built by W.S. Ham, this building is another example of the area's architecture.
- Strowbridge Building: This is an Italianate masonry building, showing the popular style of the time.
- Mikado Block: Another historic structure that adds to the district's charm.
- Moy Building: Built in 1910, this six-story building is in the Chicago School style. It was also known as the Bellevue Hotel.
- H.W. Corbett Building: Located at 124 SW Yamhill, this is another important building.
- Willamette Block: This building also contributes to the historic feel of the district.
The Carroll Public Market
From 1914 to 1934, a part of the Yamhill area was home to the Carroll Public Market. This market was a busy place where people could buy fresh food and other goods. It was an important part of daily life for many Portland residents.
