The Topsham Historic District is comprised of fifty-eight buildings that represent architectural styles spanning roughly 150 years from early nineteenth century to the mid-twentieth century. Collectively, the majority of the district consists of buildings designed in the Federal or Greek Revival styles. Nineteen of these dwellings were constructed prior to 1820. All of the houses and buildings sit in close proximity on seven streets and exhibit traditional architectural characteristics of symmetrical design typical for the time period. All fifty-eight buildings are wood framed, and many have clapboard exteriors. Sitting on the Androscoggin River, Topsham's economy relied heavily on the lumber industry. As early as 1772, saw mills were constructed to cut and prepare timber coming down the river from northern parts of the state. The timber industry's economic importance resulted in a decline in farming during the eighteenth century and the rise of industrialization in Topsham. This residential community was created because workers needed to live near the town center and Androscoggin River to be close to their jobs. The Topsham Historic District demonstrates the shift from early settlement to the rise of the working-class landowner.
Year Listed: 1978
For more information: https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/AssetDetail?assetID=0d2ed834-3e94-498e-bfb8-9bb1fc714740