A Walk Through the Centerville Historic District

Although it's not a commercial center or a high-traffic area at all, the Centerville Historic District is worth checking out when buying a home on Cape Cod.

This district, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987, was the section of Centerville that first saw growth in the mid-1800s, and remains a quiet residential neighborhood with a few businesses to visit.

The Centerville Historic District runs mostly along Main Street between Old Stage Road and Church Hill Road, so it isn't particularly large, and it features 40 significant buildings, some of which are houses that people still occupy.

You'll also notice that many of the buildings are Greek Revival or Italianate in appearance, adding the allure of living in the heart of Centerville.

Simply put, you won't find many neighborhoods like this in the United States, so have a look the next time you're in Centerville. Here are a few of the things you'll see as you walk through the district.

The South Congressional Church

Starting near the south end of Main Street, where it intersects with Church Hill Road, you'll come across the South Congressional Church. 

The church was built in 1796 on Phinneys Lane, which is northeast of the historic district. In 1828, the building was taken apart and relocated to its current location. At that time, the area that is now Main Street was nothing more than a path leading to the ocean. 

The relocation of the church is responsible for the growth of Centerville in the mid-1800s. At this time, many people constructed homes in the area to be close to the parish.

1856 Country Store

Across the street from the South Congressional Church is the 1856 Country Store. The building was constructed in 1840 as a place to store the cranberry harvest, and later became a shoe store in 1842.

In 1856, the building became a general store, and it has remained as one of the only retailers on Main Street ever since. There was another store called Centerville General Store on Main Street and Park Avenue for a time, but it is now an insurance office.

Today, 1856 Country Store sells a little bit of everything, including clothing, jewelry, food, souvenirs, toys, candles, and books. 

Centerville Playground

On the opposite side of Main Street from the store is the Centerville Playground. The park is perhaps the most modern location on Main Street, having opened in 1995, although it retains a rustic appeal thanks to its wooden play structures.

This playground is incredibly popular with adults because it's a wide-open space with plenty of seating and trees for shade. The kids love it, too, as it has all of the playground favorites. 

The Centerville Historical Museum

A few doors down from 1856 Country Store is where you'll come across the Centerville Historical Museum. The museum is set in a home built in the 1850s and features over 15,000 artifacts in its 14 rooms.

Many of the museum's historical artifacts are from Centerville, providing insight into life in the community from its beginnings all the way through the 20th century.

In addition to the museum artifacts, the building hosts events, and exhibitions throughout the year. When you live in Centerville, Massachusetts, you're sure to attend at least one event in this historic structure.

Historic Homes

Most of the homes through this area date back to the middle of the 19th century, and you'll quickly notice the architecture as you walk down the street. During that time, Centerville became popular with sea captains, as many built their homes in the area.

One of the more striking buildings is David Kelley House, which is beside the 1856 County Store. This home is a Greek Revival structure built in 1835 that currently serves as a bed and breakfast.

Other historically significant houses in the neighborhood include Benjamin Childs House, a French Second Empire building from 1880, Captain Russel Marston Estate, which dates back to 1857, and Fernbrook, from 1881.

The oldest home in the neighborhood is Austin Bearse House, which was built sometime between 1689 and 1692. This house sits at 38 Church Hill Road and is still occupied.

War Memorials

There's a small field in the area where Main Street and Park Avenue meet that features some war memorials, as well. 

First, there's the Civil War Memorial, which was placed in 1866, making it one of the oldest memorials in all of Massachusetts. The Civil War Memorial has the names of many of the local men who died in battle during the conflict.

A boulder in the park features the World War I Memorial, which was erected in 1920. This monument also has the names of many men who died in the war.

More modern monuments in honor of World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans are also present at this location.

A Great Place to Live

Buying a home in the Centerville Historic District allows you to experience some of Cape Cod's great history every day. All of these homes tell a story and have character that you just won't find in a modern structure.

Living in Centerville also puts you close to the beaches of Craigville and minutes from Massachusetts Route 28, which provides easy access to other parts of the Cape.

If you're considering making a move to Cape Cod, Centerville should undoubtedly be on your radar.