Thomasville Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Thomasville Historic District
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The Champion House on West Front Street.
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 Location in Alabama
Location in the United States
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| Location | Thomasville, Alabama |
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| Architectural style | Bungalow/Craftsman, Early Commercial |
| MPS | Clarke County MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 99000151 |
| Added to NRHP | February 12, 1999 |
The Thomasville Historic District is a special area in Thomasville, Alabama. It's like a time capsule, showing how the city looked long ago. Thomasville started in 1888 when a new railroad was built. This railroad connected Mobile and Selma. In 1899, a big fire destroyed most of the business area. Only one brick building survived.
This historic district is famous for its old buildings. You can see different styles like Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman. It also has early commercial buildings. The district is mainly around the old business center. It is bordered by U.S. Highway 43, West Front Street, Wilson Street, and West Third Street. This area was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 12, 1999.
Contents
Discovering Thomasville's History
Thomasville began as a small town in 1888. It grew because of the new railroad. The railroad made it easier to move goods and people. This helped the town's businesses grow.
The Great Fire of 1899
In 1899, a large fire swept through Thomasville. It destroyed most of the downtown area. Many wooden buildings were lost. Only one brick building survived the fire. After the fire, the town rebuilt its business district. Many of the buildings you see today were built after this event.
What is a Historic District?
A historic district is a special area. It has buildings, sites, or objects that are important to history. These areas are protected to keep their unique character. They help us remember the past. The Thomasville Historic District tells the story of the town's growth.
Architectural Styles in the District
The Thomasville Historic District shows many interesting building styles. Each style tells us about the time it was built.
Early Commercial Buildings
These buildings were made for businesses. They often have simple, strong designs. They were built to be useful and last a long time. Many of these were built after the 1899 fire.
Queen Anne Style Homes
Queen Anne homes are very decorative. They often have towers, turrets, and fancy porches. They might have different textures on their walls. This style was popular in the late 1800s.
Colonial Revival Architecture
Colonial Revival buildings look back to early American styles. They often have grand entrances and symmetrical designs. They might feature columns or detailed windows. This style was popular in the early 1900s.
Craftsman Style Buildings
Craftsman style homes focus on natural materials. They often have low-pitched roofs and wide eaves. You might see exposed wooden beams. This style was popular in the early 1900s. It emphasizes handmade quality.
Vernacular Architecture
Vernacular architecture means buildings made using local traditions. They use materials and methods common to the area. These buildings are often simple and practical. They show how people lived and built homes in the past.
Location and Significance
The Thomasville Historic District is easy to find. It is centered around the old business area. Its boundaries are U.S. Highway 43, West Front Street, Wilson Street, and West Third Street.
National Register of Historic Places
The district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places in the United States that are important to history. Being on this list helps protect these special places. It also helps people learn about their history. The Thomasville Historic District was added to this list in 1999.
