Smithfield Historic District (Virginia) facts for kids
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Smithfield Historic District
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Thomas House (1889), Smithfield Historic District, June 2010
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly bounded by Pagan River, Little Creek, and town line, Smithfield, Virginia |
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| Area | 200 acres (81 ha) |
| Built by | Rand, William |
| Architectural style | Georgian, Romanesque, Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 73002022 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | July 2, 1973 |
The Smithfield Historic District is a very special part of Smithfield, Virginia. It's like a living museum, showing how the town looked many years ago. This area is filled with old buildings and structures that tell stories about the past. It's a place where history comes alive!
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Exploring Smithfield's Historic Heart
The Smithfield Historic District covers about 200 acres. It includes the old downtown area and the neighborhoods around it. This district has 289 buildings and 2 other structures that are important to its history. These include many old houses, shops, churches, and even barns.
What Makes It Historic?
Imagine walking through a town where many buildings are over 100 years old! In Smithfield, you can see:
- Over 200 historic houses
- Almost 40 commercial buildings, which used to be shops or offices
- Several churches, including Christ Episcopal Church
- Old barns, a smokehouse, and even corncribs
These buildings show different styles of architecture. You can see designs like Georgian, Romanesque, and Federal. Each style tells us about the time it was built.
Famous Old Buildings
Many buildings in the district are quite famous. Some of these include:
- The original county clerk's office, built in 1799, where important town records were kept.
- The Wentworth-Barrett House, from around 1752, is one of the oldest homes.
- The Smithfield Academy, built in 1827, was an important school.
- Christ Episcopal Church, first built in 1832, is a beautiful old church.
- The Thomas House, built in 1889, is also a notable building.
Some other important places are also part of the district. These include the Old Isle of Wight Courthouse, the Smithfield Inn, and Windsor Castle Farm. Each of these places has its own unique story.
Why Is It Protected?
The Smithfield Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This is a list of places in the United States that are important to history. Being on this list helps protect these special areas. It means people recognize their value and work to keep them safe for future generations to enjoy.
