Washington Street Historic District (Cumberland, Maryland) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Washington Street Historic District
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Maryland
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Washington St. from Wills Creek to mid 600 block, including Prospect Square, Cumberland, Maryland |
|---|---|
| Area | 35 acres (14 ha) |
| Architect | Notman, John |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival, Queen Anne, Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000884 |
| Added to NRHP | February 6, 1973 |
The Washington Street Historic District is a special area in Cumberland, Maryland. It is named after George Washington, a famous American leader. This district is a "historic district," meaning it has many old buildings that are important to history. It covers about 35 acres and is mostly a neighborhood with homes.
This area is west of downtown Cumberland. It includes six blocks of Washington Street. You can see many large houses from the 1800s and 1900s here. These homes show different building styles. Some styles you might see are Greek Revival, Italianate, and Queen Anne. The district also has an old courthouse, an academy building, and the Algonquin Hotel. This historic area was officially recognized in 1973.
What Makes This District Special?
The Washington Street Historic District is home to several important places. It is a lively area with a mix of history and daily life. Many people visit or work in these buildings.
Important Buildings and Sites
This historic district has many interesting buildings. Each one tells a part of Cumberland's story.
The Washington Street Library
The Washington Street Library is a place for learning and reading. It serves the community of Cumberland. Libraries are important for everyone, especially students.
Allegany County Courthouse
The Circuit Courthouse for Allegany County is also in this district. This is where important legal decisions are made. It is a key building for the local government.
Allegany County Board of Education
The Allegany County Board of Education has its offices here. This board helps manage schools in the county. They work to make sure students get a good education.
Allegany County Historical Society
The Allegany County Historical Society helps preserve local history. They collect and share stories about the past. This society helps people learn about Cumberland's heritage.
Remains of Fort Cumberland
You can also find the remains of Fort Cumberland here. This old fort was important in early American history. It reminds us of the area's past as a frontier settlement.
Architectural Styles You Can See
The buildings in the Washington Street Historic District show many different architectural styles. These styles were popular at different times. They make the district look unique and interesting.
Popular Styles in the District
You can spot several distinct building styles. Each style has its own special features.
Greek Revival Style
The Greek Revival style was popular in the mid-1800s. Buildings in this style often look like ancient Greek temples. They might have tall columns and grand entrances.
Italianate Style
Italianate buildings were inspired by Italian villas. They often have low-pitched roofs and wide eaves. You might see decorative brackets under the roofline.
Queen Anne Style
The Queen Anne style was popular in the late 1800s. These houses are often colorful and have many different textures. They might feature turrets, towers, and wrap-around porches.
Romanesque Style
The courthouse in the district is an example of Romanesque architecture. This style often uses round arches and sturdy, heavy stone. It gives buildings a strong, castle-like look.
Colonial Revival and Bungalow
You can also find Colonial Revival homes, which look back to early American styles. Bungalow homes are smaller and more casual. They were popular in the early 1900s.
