Dayton Historic District, Historic district in Dayton, Virginia.
The Dayton Historic District covers a sizeable area and contains around 150 buildings lined along Main, Mason, and Bowman Streets, most built between the late 1800s and early 1900s. The structures display Late Victorian and early 20th Century Revival style characteristics.
The district formed around 1880 as Dayton developed into a commercial center with growing businesses and civic institutions. The early 1900s brought new structures like a bank building in 1911 and gymnasium in 1930, reflecting the area's economic expansion.
Churches and schools throughout the district continue to serve the community as gathering places and centers of learning, shaping how people use the streets and buildings. You can see this living heritage reflected in the maintained facades and active doorways along the main avenues.
You can walk freely through the district and view the buildings along the main streets, with many open to the public during normal hours. Wear comfortable shoes since you will be on foot exploring the historic blocks.
The Ruebush-Kieffer printing company, located in the district, was a major publisher of religious and musical materials throughout the Shenandoah Valley. This business reflects a lesser-noted aspect of the area's industrial past beyond its commercial and banking activities.
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