Old King's Highway Historic District, Historic district in Barnstable, Massachusetts, United States.
The Old King's Highway Historic District is a historic area in Barnstable containing over 500 buildings spread along a main east-west road now called Massachusetts Route 6A. The structures span different periods and show how this coastal community developed over centuries.
The area traces its roots to colonial settlement, with a courthouse built in 1763 becoming a crucial gathering spot where colonists protested British control. This assembly marked a key moment in the area's role during America's fight for independence.
The district's buildings showcase Federal and Greek Revival architectural styles that reflect how early American communities were built and what they valued. Walking through, you notice how these design choices shaped the appearance of neighborhood streets.
You can explore the district by walking along Route 6A and viewing the buildings from the street. It helps to move slowly to appreciate all the architectural details and how the street layouts are arranged.
The Old Jail, built around 1690, stands as one of the oldest remaining wooden jail structures in the country and displays early building techniques. Its survival offers a rare window into the prison system and justice practices of early colonial America.
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