Shrewsbury Historic District (Shrewsbury, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Shrewsbury Historic District
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First Congregational Church
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Shrewsbury, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 14 acres (5.7 ha) |
| Built | 1721 |
| Architect | Hemenway, Daniel; et al. |
| Architectural style | Renaissance, Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 76000309 |
| Added to NRHP | October 8, 1976 |
The Shrewsbury Historic District is a special area in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. It's like a time capsule showing what the town looked like long ago. This district includes the town common, which was first set up in 1721. It also has many old buildings around Main and Prospect Streets.
This historic area was officially recognized by the town in 1972. Later, in 1976, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important place to protect for future generations.
Shrewsbury's Early Days
The town of Shrewsbury was first settled in 1721. It officially became a town in 1727. The town common was one of the very first parts of the town to be planned. It was located along what was then a major road called the Boston Post Road. This important road connected Boston to Springfield.
The area around the common has always been a place for homes and town activities. The main businesses of Shrewsbury were located just west of the common on the Post Road, which is now Main Street. The properties around the common still have large lawns and an open feel. This look is very typical of towns from the 1700s and 1800s.
Important Buildings and Landmarks
The most noticeable building in the historic district is the First Congregational Church. You can find it at the north end of the town common. This church was built in 1766. It was made using materials from the town's very first meetinghouse, which stood on the same spot in 1722.
West of the church, you'll see a brick schoolhouse built in 1830. Today, this old school building is used for town offices. It also houses the local historical society, which keeps records of Shrewsbury's past.
On the west side of the common is the town's main fire station. While it's a modern building, it's part of the historic area. Nearby is the Sumner House, built in 1797. This house was originally for the town's second minister. It has been made much larger over the years and is now a funeral home.
Northeast of the church, where Boylston and Grafton Streets meet, are three houses from the early 1800s. Across Grafton Street, east of the common, you'll find the Shrewsbury Public Library. This beautiful building was constructed in 1903. It's a great example of Renaissance Revival architecture, a popular style from that time.
