Located in Lower Belvidere, the Washington Square Historic District was Lowell’s earliest fashionable neighborhood.  It was one of the industrial city’s first subdivisions and was home to many prominent early citizens.  The focal point of the District was one of Lowell’s earliest public parks, Washington Square, today known as Kittredge Park.  While the neighborhood includes several early Greek Revival residences, the District is known for its extensive collection of Italianate style homes. 

Most of Washington Square’s residences were erected in the 1840s and 1850s.  By 1865, the area was largely developed with the location above the city and its picturesque views being a highly desirable address.  Remaining empty lots continued to be developed well into the 1870s and 1880s. 

Early residents of the Washington Square area were among Lowell’s most prominent citizens and included prosperous merchants, industrialists, and businessmen.  Most of the residents were also actively involved as directors or trustees in the city’s financial and business institutions.  Many were superintendents or agents of local mills.

Location: Bounded by East Merrimack, Park, Oak, and Willow Streets

Year Built: 1824-1910

Resources: 71 buildings or structures

Designation: National Register of Historic Places (August 11, 1982; boundary increase for 140-160 Andover Street, Nov. 12, 1999)

90 Chestnut Street; date unknown Lowell Historical Society	John Nesmith House, 1843 229 Andover Street Lowell Historical Society	Andover and Nesmith Streets, 1928 UMass Lowell

John Holt House, late 1850s 28 Nesmith Street Jim Higgins, 1996	Aaron Mansur House, ca. 1843 87 Nesmith Street Jim Higgins, 1996	105 Chestnut Street, early 1840s Jim Higgins, 1996

As you explore Lowell's historic places, please note that many are privately owned.  Please respect the rights of property owners by not trespassing and remaining on public property as you view the community's many historic resources.