Northampton Historic Old Buildings

In addition to the beautiful old churches, Northampton has lots of interesting old and historic buildings.

Northampton has a distinctively Gothic City Hall which was designed by William Fenno Pratt and was built in 1849-1850. Conceived as a novelty, it was in danger of being torn down in 1923,but was saved when voters decided to remodel rather than completely replace it. 

The Hampshire County Courthouse is equally interesting. It was built in 1886-1887 and was designed by architect Henry F. Kilbourn. The style is Richardson Romanesque. This courthouse looks very similar to the Richardson-designed Hamden County courthouse in Springfield MA.

Quintessential small-town New England is captured in Thornes Marketplace. Inside, there is an eclectic collection of stores, from a health food store, an old-fashioned candy store, a bookshop, an ice cream parlor and gift stores. During the summer months, a farmer’s market it held behind Thornes.

Northampton is known for its countercultural feel. So no surprise, there are quite a few tattoo parlors. And there a lots of Northampton people with tattoos.

The historic Hotel Northampton is also home to the famous Wiggins Tavern. Throughout its 200-year history, Wiggins Tavern has hosted visitors from all over the world. Among the many travelers who have stopped here for a relaxing meal have been Eleanor Roosevelt, Jenny Lind, Herbert Hoover, Calvin Coolidge, Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Richard Nixon, as well as many other celebrities. During World War II, U.S. Navy Waves billeted at Smith College were marched down Main Street three times a day for their meals at Wiggins Tavern.

What interesting buildings have you seen in your travels?