Topsham Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Topsham Historic District
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | Elm, Main, and Green Sts., Topsham, Maine |
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| Area | 45 acres (18 ha) |
| Built | 1800 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 78000198 |
| Added to NRHP | January 9, 1978 |
The Topsham Historic District is a special area in the heart of Topsham, Maine. It includes parts of Elm, Green, and Pleasant Streets. This district is known for its beautiful old buildings. Most of these buildings were constructed before 1850. They show off styles from the 1800s and early 1900s.
Most of the buildings here are homes. There are only a few non-residential buildings, like a church. This historic area was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. This means it is recognized as an important historical site.
Contents
What is the Topsham Historic District?
The Topsham Historic District is a collection of old buildings. It shows how the town looked long ago. The district covers about 45 acres. It is a great place to see history come alive through architecture.
Where is Topsham Located?
Topsham is a town in Maine. It sits on the north side of the Androscoggin River. Across the river is the town of Brunswick. This area is part of Maine's Mid Coast region.
How Did Topsham Begin?
People first planned a town center in Topsham in 1639. However, the town was later left empty. This happened because of conflicts with Native American groups in the late 1600s and early 1700s.
Settlers returned in 1714. They were helped by a group of businessmen from Boston. But people did not live there permanently until the 1730s. The town faced more challenges during wars in the 1700s. These included King George's War and the French and Indian War. This slowed down the town's growth until the 1760s.
Growth and Development of the Town
After the wars, Topsham began to grow. Sawmills and gristmills were built along the river. These mills helped both Topsham and Brunswick become busy towns. A bridge was built across the river in 1796. This made it easier for people to travel between the two towns.
What Buildings Are in the District?
The historic part of Topsham Village is mainly around where Elm, Pleasant, and Green Streets meet. It stretches south on Green Street and north on Pleasant Street. It goes as far as Perkins Street. On the west, it includes some houses on the east side of Main Street (United States Route 201). To the east, it reaches the railroad tracks near Maine State Route 196.
Types of Buildings and Styles
The district has 58 historic buildings. Most of them are homes built before 1850. Half of these buildings are in the Federal style. This style was popular in the United States from 1780 to 1830. The Greek Revival style is also very common. This style was popular from the 1820s to 1860s.
Only a few buildings were not originally homes. One is the Baptist church, built in 1835. It is also in the Federal style. Another is the town offices. This building was an academy around 1840. It was later updated around 1900 in the Colonial Revival style.
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