South Green Historic District (Ipswich, Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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South Green Historic District
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John Whipple House, ca. 1670s
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Ipswich, Massachusetts |
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| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Second Empire |
| MPS | Central Village, Ipswich, Massachusetts MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 80000471 |
| Added to NRHP | September 17, 1980 |
The South Green Historic District is a very old and important part of Ipswich, Massachusetts. It's a special area with many historic buildings. The main part of the district is the South Green itself, a grassy area created way back in 1686. Around the green, you can find homes and other buildings that are hundreds of years old. One of the most famous buildings here is the John Whipple House, which is a museum and a National Historic Landmark.
Discovering the South Green Historic District
The South Green Historic District stretches from South Main and Elm Streets, past the green, and down to where County Road (Massachusetts Route 1A) crosses Saltonstall's Creek. It's a great place to see how towns in America used to look.
How the South Green Began
The people of Ipswich decided to create the South Green in 1686. It was used for different things over the years. At first, it was a common area where animals could graze, meaning they could eat grass there. It was also a place where the local volunteer soldiers, called the militia, would practice their drills.
The South Green area was also important for education. The very first schoolhouse in Ipswich was built nearby in 1652, even before the green was officially set up. This school building was later moved in 1704. Public schools returned to the South Green area in 1794. This school later became the English High School from 1836 to 1874.
Homes and History: Buildings of the District
Most of the old buildings you see in the district are houses. The oldest house is the Whipple House, built around 1653. It was moved to its current spot in the 1930s.
The houses around the green were built at different times, from the 1600s all the way through the 1800s. You'll see homes built in popular styles from those times, like Georgian, Federal, and Greek Revival. There are also some Victorian-style homes from later years.
The South Green Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. This means it's recognized as an important historical place that should be protected.
