Sigourney Square District facts for kids
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Sigourney Square District
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Sigourney Square Park
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | Sargeant, Ashley and May Sts., Hartford, Connecticut |
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| Area | 45 acres (18 ha) (original size) 2 acres (0.81 ha) (size of first increase) |
| Built | 1890 |
| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Queen Anne |
| NRHP reference No. | 79002660 (original) 83003568 (increase 1) 11000610 (increase 2) |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | January 16, 1979 |
| Boundary increases | December 21, 1983 September 13, 2011 |
The Sigourney Square Historic District is a special neighborhood in Hartford, Connecticut, USA. It's called a "historic district" because many of its buildings are old and important. Most of the homes here were built very quickly, in just ten years, around the end of the 1800s.
This area was designed for middle-class families. It still looks a lot like it did over 100 years ago. You can find it between Garden, Ashley, and Woodland Streets, and near some railroad tracks. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. This means it's recognized as a place worth protecting.
Contents
A Look Back: How the Neighborhood Began
From Farm to Homes: Early Days
In the mid-1800s, the land where Sigourney Square is now was a "town farm." This farm helped people who needed a place to live and work. Over time, new roads were built, and the farm became smaller. It finally closed down in 1896.
Only three old brick buildings from the farm still stand today on Ashley Street. They were built around 1850.
Creating Sigourney Square Park
When the town farm closed, part of the land became a public park. This park is now known as Sigourney Square Park. A local expert named J. Alex McClunie designed the park's green spaces.
Building new homes in the area started in 1891. A builder named Frederick Mahl constructed ten beautiful Queen Anne style houses on Ashley Street. By 1900, most of the neighborhood was finished.
What Makes the District Special?
Homes and Buildings: A Unique Style
The Sigourney Square Historic District covers about 45 acres. It has 169 main buildings. Most of these are two-story wooden houses. They were built for one or two families.
Many homes have a mix of wood and brick on the outside. They often feature the "Queen Anne Victorian" style. This style is known for its fancy details, towers, and decorative porches.
Other Important Structures
Besides the houses, there are ten larger apartment buildings. These typically have at least six apartments each. The district also includes a church and two small shops.
The district has grown a couple of times since it was first listed. In 1983, some houses on Garden Street were added. In 2011, a brick building at 207 Garden Street was included. This building has both shops and homes.
