NRHP /
County Street
National Register Historic
District
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 The County Street National Register
Historic District is comprised of approximately 1,000 properties and 100 acres
of land. The district is significant as an area where the development of
architecture in New England from 1780-1890 can be traced according to logical
development patterns. The district is also significant for its relationship to
the prosperous merchants and whalers who were influential in the growth of
Massachusetts during the first half of the 19th century.
The growth and evolution of the existing district occurred in three major
phases corresponding geographically to the areas east of County Street, along
County Street, and west of County Street. The simple, unadorned architecture
east of County Street reflects the beliefs of late 18th century Quaker
merchants and ship-builders, whose wealth was demonstrated in the quality and
size of their residences. By the mid-19th century, New Bedford had become a
prosperous port and the architecture along County Street became imposing with
grand mansions of varying architectural styles. The area west of County Street
expanded with the need for further residential land development during the
mid-19th century. Wealthy Quaker merchants built fashionable architecture on
land in this vicinity. The area east of County Street changed in the later 19th
century with the rise of textile mills in New bedford. This area grew and
incorporated mill housing into its fabric, alongside the earlier later 28th
century architecture.
A variety of architectural styles can be seen throughout the district. These
styles range from 18th century Georgian and Federal homes to many examples of
the 19th century styles of Greek Revival, Italianate, Gothic Revival, Second
Empire, Stick Style and Queen Anne. In addition, there is an abundance of
transitional architecture and Colonial Revival buildings of the late 19th
century. |
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33 William St - New Bedford, MA 02740 - Tel: 508-996-4095 - Fax: 508-984-1250
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