South Londonderry Village Historic District
Description and history
South Londonderry Village is located in south-central Londonderry, and is built along both sides of the West River, which flows roughly southeast toward the Connecticut River. Vermont Route 100 runs through the village, paralleling the river to the north and running more directly south on the south side of the river. Main Street flanks the river on it northern bank, while Winhall Hollow Road and West River Road flank it on the south side. Running perpendicular to the single bridge spanning the river in the village center are Melendy Hill Road to the south and Middletown Road to the north.
The village grew in the early 19th century around this area because the drop in elevation of the river provided water power for early industrial works. Most of these industrial sites are now little more than foundations, including ones from early in the 20th century. Three dams were built across the river at various points, the largest directly upstream of the bridge. Residential construction was hemmed in by the steep hillsides, resulting in a generally linear pattern of development on either side of the river. Most of the houses are wood frame structures 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 stories in height, and most have modest decorative styling from popular 19th-century architectural styles. There are two 19th-century church buildings, two former school buildings, and the 1860 Londonderry Town House, which houses municipal offices and auditorium and meeting spaces.
See also
References
- ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
- ^ "NRHP nomination for South Londonderry Village Historic District". National Park Service. Retrieved January 3, 2016.