Salmon Falls (East) Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Salmon Falls (East) Historic District
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | Portions of ME 117 and Simpson Rd., Buxton, Maine |
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| Area | 25 acres (10 ha) |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 87001859 |
| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1987 |
The Salmon Falls (East) Historic District is a special area in western Buxton, Maine. It's like a time capsule, showing how people lived and built homes long ago. This district includes thirteen old buildings, mostly built between 1800 and 1850. Many of these buildings show off the Greek Revival style of architecture.
This historic area stretches along Maine State Route 117, north of where it meets Simpson Road. Two more historic buildings are found on Simpson Road itself. Because of its important history and old buildings, the district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. This means it's officially recognized as a place worth protecting.
Contents
What is the Salmon Falls Historic District?
The Salmon Falls area is split between two towns, Buxton and Hollis, by the Saco River. It started as a small farming community in the late 1700s. The name "Salmon Falls" comes from the waterfalls on the river. In the early 1800s, small factories and businesses began to use the power of these falls.
How Did the Area Grow?
The road we now call Maine State Route 117 was very important back then. It was the main path leading north from the port town of Saco. This road became the center of growth on the Buxton side of the river. Most of the development happened along this route.
Why is it a Historic District?
After the mid-1800s, the area's economy slowed down. This meant that not many new buildings were constructed. Because of this, many of the original buildings from the early 1800s were preserved. This is why the Salmon Falls (East) area is so special today. It gives us a clear look at what a rural community in Maine was like over 150 years ago.
Exploring the Historic Buildings
The Salmon Falls (East) Historic District is mainly found along Route 117. It runs from a bend in the Saco River south to where Route 117 meets Simpson and Elden Roads. There are eleven historic buildings along this part of Route 117. Two more buildings on Simpson and Elden Roads complete the district.
What Kinds of Houses Are There?
- The oldest house is the Elden family home. It's on the south side of Elden Road. This house was built around the 1790s and shows the Federal style of architecture.
- The Came-Marshall House is one of the most impressive buildings. It's a two-and-a-half story brick house in the Federal style. It has a fancy entrance with side windows and a half-circle window above the door.
- Most of the other houses were built between 1825 and 1850. These homes are mostly in the Greek Revival style. They are usually one-and-a-half or two-and-a-half stories tall and made of wood. One house, however, is made of brick.
- The newest building in the district is the Darrah Tavern, built around 1868. It marks the northern end of the historic area.
These buildings help us understand the history and building styles of the past.
