Old Row is a historic district in Hartford, Connecticut. It is located on the west bank of the Connecticut River, and is bounded by Main Street, Trumbull Street, Asylum Avenue, and Buckingham Street. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
Old Row is home to a number of significant historic buildings, including the Mark Twain House, the Harriet Beecher Stowe House, and the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art. The district is also home to a number of shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
History of Old Row
The land that is now Old Row was originally part of the Dutch colony of New Netherland. In 1636, the Dutch sold the land to the English Puritans, who founded the colony of Connecticut. The Puritans named the area “Old Row” because it was the oldest settled part of Hartford.
In the 18th century, Old Row became a center of commerce and trade. The district was home to a number of merchants, shipbuilders, and other businessmen. Old Row also became a cultural center, and was home to a number of churches, schools, and libraries.
In the 19th century, Old Row continued to grow and prosper. The district became home to a number of wealthy families, and was home to a number of mansions and other grand homes. Old Row also became a center of the abolitionist movement, and was home to a number of abolitionist leaders.
In the 20th century, Old Row declined in economic importance. The district was hit hard by the Great Depression, and many businesses closed. In the 1950s and 1960s, Old Row was threatened by urban renewal projects. However, a group of citizens worked to save the district, and Old Row was designated a historic district in 1979.
Architecture of Old Row
The architecture of Old Row is a mix of styles, reflecting the different periods of the district’s history. The district is home to a number of Federal-style buildings, which were built in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. These buildings are characterized by their simple, symmetrical facades and their use of red brick and white trim.
Old Row is also home to a number of Victorian-style buildings, which were built in the mid-19th century. These buildings are characterized by their ornate facades and their use of a variety of materials, including wood, brick, and stone.
In addition to these two main styles, Old Row is also home to a number of buildings that represent other architectural styles, including Colonial, Gothic Revival, and Art Deco.
Points of Interest in Old Row
Old Row is home to a number of points of interest, including:
- The Mark Twain House: This is the home where the famous author Mark Twain lived from 1871 to 1891. The house is now a museum, and is open to the public for tours.
- The Harriet Beecher Stowe House: This is the home where the author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin lived from 1852 to 1864. The house is now a museum, and is open to the public for tours.
- The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art: This is the oldest public art museum in the United States. The museum has a collection of over 50,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
- The Old State House: This is the oldest state capitol building in the United States. The building was built in 1796, and was used as the state capitol until 1878. The building is now a museum, and is open to the public for tours.
- The Connecticut Science Center: This is a science museum that is located on the banks of the Connecticut River. The museum has over 150 exhibits, and is a great place for families to learn about science.
Tips for Visiting Old Row
Here are a few tips for visiting Old Row:
- Start your visit at the Old State House. This is a great place to learn about the history of the district.
- Take a walk down Main Street. This is the main street of Old Row, and is home to a number of shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
- Visit the Mark Twain House and the Harriet Beecher Stowe House. These are two of the most popular tourist attractions in Old Row.
- Visit the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art. This is a great place to see a variety of works of art.
- Visit the Connecticut Science Center. This is a great place for families to learn about science.
Conclusion
Old Row is a historic district that is located in Hartford, Connecticut. The district is home to a number of significant historic buildings, as well as a number of shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Old Row is a great place to visit for anyone who is interested in history, architecture, or art.
FAQs
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What is Old Row?
Old Row is a historic district in Hartford, Connecticut. -
What are some of the points of interest in Old Row?
Some of the points of interest in Old Row include the Mark Twain House, the Harriet Beecher Stowe House, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, the Old State House, and the Connecticut Science Center. -
What are some tips for visiting Old Row?
Some tips for visiting Old Row include starting your visit at the Old State House, taking a walk down Main Street, visiting the Mark Twain House and the Harriet Beecher Stowe House, visiting the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, and visiting the Connecticut Science Center.
