Greenup Commercial Historic District

Greenup's commercial core, laid out along the old National Road in Cumberland County, Illinois, is a district of 41 buildings, 31 of which contribute to its historic character. Most are brick, one or two stories tall, and built between about 1872 and 1940. One-story Commercial vernacular storefronts stand alongside late nineteenth century two-story buildings with Italianate details such as metal cornices, brackets and window hoods. A Carnegie Library, a blacksmith shop and a shoe factory complex round out the area. The most striking feature is the number of two-story shed-roof porches, with slender iron supports and scrolled brackets, along with cast iron storefront pilasters from regional foundries. The district was listed for its role in local commerce, tracing the town's shift from horse and wagon days through the railroad to the automobile, and for its modest but well-crafted commercial architecture. Storefront changes are common, but intact rooflines and upper floors keep many buildings contributing.