West Badin Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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West Badin Historic District
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Commercial building on Roosevelt Street
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 Location in North Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly bounded by Sims, Lincoln, Marion, and Lee Sts., Badin, North Carolina |
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| Area | 84 acres (34 ha) |
| Architectural style | Bungalow/craftsman, Gothic |
| MPS | Badin MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 83004002 |
| Added to NRHP | October 12, 1983 |
The West Badin Historic District is a special area in Badin, North Carolina. It's like a preserved neighborhood that tells an important story about the past. This district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's recognized as a significant part of American history.
This historic district includes 153 buildings and 4 other important spots. These places were built starting around 1912. They include homes, churches, schools, and shops. Many buildings show off styles like Gothic Revival and Bungalow / American Craftsman architecture.
The town of Badin was created by a company called Southern Aluminum Company of America, which later became Alcoa. West Badin was specifically developed for African-American residents. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
What is a Historic District?
A historic district is a special area that has many buildings, sites, or objects that are important to history. These areas are protected to keep their unique look and feel. They help us remember how people lived and worked in the past.
When a place is on the National Register of Historic Places, it means the United States government recognizes its historical value. This helps to preserve these important places for future generations to learn from and enjoy.
A Company Town's Story
Badin, North Carolina, was built as a "company town." This means a single company, in this case, Southern Aluminum Company of America (later Alcoa), planned and built the entire town. They built homes, stores, and other buildings for their workers.
West Badin was a part of this company town. It was specifically designed and built for the African-American people who worked for the company. This made West Badin a very important community for these families.
Buildings and Architecture
The buildings in West Badin show different styles popular in the early 1900s.
- Gothic Revival: This style often includes pointed arches and tall windows. It makes buildings look a bit like old European churches or castles.
- Bungalow / American Craftsman: These homes are usually smaller and cozy. They often have low-pitched roofs, wide front porches, and natural materials like wood and stone. They focus on handmade details.
Some of the well-known buildings in the district include:
- Houses at 704 Roosevelt Street and 417 Jackson Street.
- A duplex (a building with two separate homes) at 228-226 Lincoln Avenue.
- The Baptist Church.
- McDonald's Chapel AME Zion Church.
- The Badin Colored School, which was very important for educating children in the community.
These buildings together tell the story of a vibrant community and its history.
