Town Hall Square Historic District facts for kids
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Town Hall Square Historic District
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Glass Museum
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 Location in Cape Cod
Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | Sandwich, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 220 acres (89 ha) |
| Built | 1634 |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Colonial, Georgian |
| NRHP reference No. | 75001914 (original) 10000752 (increase) |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 31, 1975 |
| Boundary increase | September 16, 2010 |
The Town Hall Square Historic District is a special area in Sandwich, Massachusetts. It's called a historic district because it has many old and important buildings. This area is centered around the Sandwich Town Hall, a pretty pond called Shawme Pond, and the Dexter Grist Mill.
When it was first recognized in 1975, the district covered about 54 acres. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places, which is a list of places important to American history. In 2010, the district grew much larger, adding another 170 acres and more than 150 historic buildings.
A Glimpse into Sandwich's Past
The Town Hall Square area has been a key part of Sandwich since the town started in 1637. Early on, a dike was built to create Shawme Pond, and a grist mill was set up there. A grist mill is a place where grain is ground into flour.
For a long time, Sandwich was mostly a farming community. This changed around 1825 when glassmaking became a big industry. During this time, the town built important buildings like the town hall in 1837 and the First Church of Christ in 1847.
Old Buildings and Homes
Even with new buildings, many older ones still stand in the district. Some houses are from the 17th century, which means they are very old! Most of the buildings you see in the district were built after America became independent and before 1850.
The expanded district also includes homes from the later 1800s. You can see different styles, like Queen Anne and Shingle style houses.
Important Places to See
The district has four cemeteries, including the very first burying ground. The oldest grave there dates back to 1663. That's a long time ago!
You can also find four churches and two schools in the district. The largest building is the Henry T. Wing School, built in 1928, located at 35 Water Street.
