Rock Hill Downtown Historic District
National Register Listing
Street Address:
Roughly, S. Oakland Ave. from S of Peoples Pl. to E. Main St., Rock Hill, SC (York County)
NRHP Nomination
Record Number:
S10817746025
Description and Narrative:
The Rock Hill Downtown Historic District contains twelve contributing buildings that are of importance to the growth and development of the City of Rock Hill. The buildings represent the development of the downtown area as the center of commerce, culture, and government over an extended time period, from about 1870 to 1935. The property types in the district are commercial, public buildings and churches. Because the properties in this district were constructed during a period in which the downtown area was the center of life for the community, most were designed to make a statement of dignity and importance. Representative architectural styles include Gothic Revival, Commercial, and Neo-Classical. Rock Hill began as a rail station trading center in 1852. As the commerce of the town grew, wooden structures were built in the first block of Main Street adjacent to the railroad. This commercial area gradually expanded, and many of the early residences were demolished to accommodate the commercial growth. More substantial brick buildings gradually replaced early frame buildings that burned during disastrous fires in 1878, 1883, 1887, and 1889. In addition to its commercial importance, the downtown area became a center for the religious, cultural, and government life of the community. Listed in the National Register June 24, 1991.
Period of Significance:
1872 – 1932
Level of Significance:
Local
Area of Significance:
Commerce;Architecture;Religion
National Register Determination:
listed
Date of Certification:
June 24 1991