Getting to Know Quincy

Historic Districts

Quincy has four historic districts that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, second only to Chicago in Illinois.

The Downtown Historic District was the first district added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. Nearly 100 structures from Hampshire to Jersey and 4th to 8th Streets are included in this district. The buildings provide a wide array of architectural styles with some dating back to the 1850's.

The East End Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. The East End Historic District contains 500 structures and lies between 12th and 24th and Maine and State Streets. There are houses within this district that date back to the 1830's, and many have been restored and historically preserved. Italianate, Greek Revival, Prairie Style, Queen Anne, and Romanesque are some of the styles found in the East End Historical District.

The German Historic District, also known as "Calftown," covers a large section of Southwest Quincy, 4th to 12th and Adams to Jersey Streets. In the late 1800's nearly 70% of the residents in this district were German immigrants. The term "Calftown" referred to the cow that could be found in each home’s backyard. The original German YMCA building, built in 1893, still stands on the corner of 9th and State Streets.

In 2000, the Northwest Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This district covers North 4th, 5th, and 6th Streets and was a very popular location in the late 1800's to build mansions due to the beautiful view the bluff location afforded.

All four districts contain a wealth of historically significant architecture in a wide array of styles. A drive through each district will provide insight into Quincy’s history and a view of some of the finest architecture in the Midwest.