With Over 3,500 Historic Buildings, The City Of Quincy Has Some Of The Best-Preserved Architecture In Illinois
By Melissa Mahoney|Published June 21, 2021
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
If you love architecture, then you must plan a visit to the city of Quincy located on the bluffs overlooking the mighty Mississippi River. This is where the Illinois border meets with both Missouri and Iowa. With four National Historic Register Districts and over 3,500 historic structures, including a large number of pre-Civil War buildings, Quincy, the “Gem City” of Illinois, has preserved some of the most impressive architecture in the state.
Quincy is home to four National Historic Register Districts: the Downtown Quincy Historic District, South Side German Historic District, Quincy Northwest Historic district, and Quincy East End Historic District. Within these districts are 3,500 preserved buildings of varying styles including Greek Revival, Victorian, Art Deco, and more.
Pictured here is the Downtown Quincy Historic District, including the Washington Theater which was first opened in 1924 and built in a Mediterranean Renaissance style.
The Greek Revival-style John Wood Mansion is located in the East End Historic District and was built between 1835-1838. It was originally owned by John Wood who had founded the city of Quincy in 1825 and later became the 12th governor of Illinois in 1860.
The Quincy Museum resides in the Richard F. Newcomb House, which was built in 1890-1891 in a Richardsonian Romanesque design with a limestone exterior and striking red roof. This three-story house is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Dick Brothers Brewery first opened its doors in 1857 and was once one of the biggest beer brands in the country. The brewery eventually closed in 1957 but the building, which resides in the South Side German District, has been repurposed into commercial space with a museum, a non-profit for the arts, and other businesses and programs.
Villa Kathrine was built at the turn of the century as a Moroccan-style home for W. George Metz along the bluffs of the Mississippi River. Its striking appearance is likened to that of a castle and has since been turned into a museum.
Dr. Richard Eells House was built in a Federal/Greek Revival style between 1835-1836. Dr. Eells was a notable abolitionist from Connecticut and his home was documented as a stop along the Underground Railroad.
Although we have only mentioned a few notable historic buildings here, there are thousands more that have contributed to the rich history of the area. Have you been to Quincy to see the architecture in the historic districts? If so, please leave a comment about your experience.
