Northampton Downtown Historic District

Northampton's downtown historic district occupies roughly 80 acres around the curving line of Main Street, where commercial blocks of red brick sit alongside churches, a courthouse, a city hall, a library and a theater. Most buildings date from the mid- to late nineteenth century and rise two to four stories, so church spires and the courthouse tower still dominate the skyline. Local architect William F. Pratt designed nine of the structures, including City Hall and the Smith Charities Building. The district reflects the town's growth after the railroad arrived, rebuilding after a major fire in 1870, and a second building boom in the 1890s. It also holds the site where Shays' Rebellion began in 1786, the building that was the scene of an 1876 bank robbery, the Academy of Music, an early municipal theater, and the route of the former New Haven-Northampton Canal. Modern signs and storefront changes have affected some facades.