Uxbridge Common District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Uxbridge Common District
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| Location | North Main St., Court St., Uxbridge, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 8 acres (3.2 ha) |
| Built | 1818-1880s |
| NRHP reference No. | 84002920 |
| Added to NRHP | January 20, 1984 |
The Uxbridge Common District is a special historic area in downtown Uxbridge, Massachusetts. It's so important that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's recognized for its historical value. This district is home to many old and interesting buildings. These include the Uxbridge Academy, the Uxbridge Free Public Library, the Deborah A. Wheelock House, an old blacksmith shop, and two churches: the First Congregational Church and the Unitarian Church.
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Exploring the Uxbridge Common District
The historic town of Uxbridge was first settled way back in 1662. It has more than 60 houses built in the Federalist style. The Uxbridge Common District shows off a lot of early American history. It includes buildings from many different time periods and with various architectural styles.
Famous Buildings in the District
The district features several notable buildings. The Uxbridge Academy, built in 1818, is a great example of Federalist style. It now houses the Masonic Lodge. The Congregational Church was rebuilt here in the 1830s. The Public Library was built in the 1870s. You can also find a blacksmith shop from the 1780s, the Unitarian Church, and the Uxbridge Inn, built in 1882. Some older homes are also part of the district, like "The Daughters of the American Revolution House," which dates back to around 1769. This house is also known as the "Deborah A. Wheelock House."
Architectural Styles You Can See
Many old buildings in Uxbridge are in the Federalist architecture style. But the district also shows off other cool designs. You can see Georgian architecture, Italianate architecture, Greek Revival architecture, Gothic architecture, Queen Anne style architecture in the United States, and Late Victorian architecture. This mix of styles makes the district a fun place to learn about history through buildings.
The Historic Uxbridge Academy
The Uxbridge Academy was a very important school in New England in the early 1800s. It was a preparatory institution, meaning it helped students get ready for college. Many famous people graduated from this academy.
Notable Graduates of Uxbridge Academy
Some of the well-known people who studied here include Marcus Spring, Colonel John Capron, Moses Taft, George Boardman Boomer, and Richard Sayles. A famous historian and writer named William Augustus Mowry even wrote a historical story about the Uxbridge Academy.
A Golden Age for the Academy
From 1840 to 1850, Joshua Mason Macomber was the principal of Uxbridge Academy. This time was known as the "Palmy" period, meaning it was a golden age for the school. Under his leadership, the academy became very well-known. Hundreds of students came to study there from at least six different states! The building that once housed the Uxbridge Academy is still standing today on the Town Common in Uxbridge, Massachusetts. It is now home to the Masonic Lodge. The Uxbridge Academy first started in 1818 as a secondary school, located upstairs in another building.
