Snake Alley Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Snake Alley Historic District
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![]() Snake Alley from Washington Street
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Location | Roughly bounded by Columbia and Washington Sts., Cobblestone Alley, and Service Dr., Burlington, Iowa |
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Area | 10 acres (4.0 ha) |
Part of | Heritage Hill Historic District |
NRHP reference No. | 75000683 |
Added to NRHP | May 21, 1975 |
The Snake Alley Historic District is a special area in Burlington, Iowa, United States, known for its history. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. This means it's recognized as an important historical place across the country! In 1982, it also became part of the larger Heritage Hill Historic District that surrounds it.
This historic district is mostly a neighborhood with ten important historical buildings. It's famous for Snake Alley, a unique brick road built in 1894. This road is 275 feet long and climbs up a hill, rising about 58 feet from Washington Street to Columbia Street. It's called "Snake Alley" because it winds its way up the hill with five half-circle turns and two quarter-circle turns, like a slithering snake!
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What Makes Snake Alley Special?
Snake Alley is often called the "most crooked street in the world." It's a fun and challenging road for bikes and cars. Every year, there's even a bike race called the Snake Alley Criterium, where cyclists race up and down its steep curves.
The Winding Road
The alley was built to connect the downtown area with the neighborhoods on top of the hill. Before it was built, it was hard to get up and down the steep slope. The unique design with its many curves made it possible to build a road on such a steep incline. The bricks used to pave the alley give it an old-fashioned feel.
Homes and History
Around Snake Alley, you'll find six old houses that are part of the historic district. These homes were built between 1845 and about 1880. They show what homes looked like in Burlington a long time ago. These houses, along with the Schwartz' Auto Electric Service building and the First United Church of Christ complex, are considered "contributing buildings." This means they add to the historical importance of the district.
On the eastern side of the district is Cobblestone Alley. This is another very steep road, but it's made of large, heavy limestone blocks. It adds to the old-world charm of the area.
Visiting the District
The Snake Alley Historic District is a popular spot for visitors. People come to see the famous winding road, take pictures, and imagine what life was like in Burlington over a hundred years ago. It's a great place to explore and learn about local history.