Newberry Historic District

The Newberry Historic District encompasses several blocks in central Newberry. Some of the buildings in the district are the Newberry Opera House, the Old Courthouse, and the Old Newberry Bank. The buildings date to the 19th and early 20th centuries, and all are significant for their architecture and impact on the city in various ways, be it political, economic, or cultural. The district was first added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 (it was later increased twice), and some of the buildings are listed individually on the Register as well.

Newberry was established in 1789, four years after Newberry County was founded. Newberry became the county seat since it was situated in the central part of the county. It has always been a prosperous center of trade, especially after railroads arrived in 1851. The founding of Newberry College in 1856 further solidified the city's important status. The historic buildings erected in the coming decades symbolize this growth and prosperity.

The Newberry Opera House was built in 1882 and served the dual purpose of housing the city government as well as a theater for more than a century. The City relocated in 1992 and the building remains a popular venue for cultural, arts, and civic events. It is an excellent example of French Gothic architecture. The Old Courthouse was erected in ca.1852 and designed in the Greek Revival style. It was the fourth county courthouse. The Old Bank was also built around 1852 and was the first bank in Newberry. Other buildings in the district include many commercial buildings and the former U.S. Post Office, which was constructed in 1913 and later became a library. It is now home to the Newberry Museum, which explores local history. The district was enlarged in 1980 and 2004.

"Newberry Historic District." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. December 31, 1974. https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/55e2fa90-2cde-4fa9-b302-b82456eb927d.

Thomason, Philip. "Newberry Historic District (Boundary Increase)." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. June 16, 2004. https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/5f5b4fd9-3800-45de-b148-b77b0c9e1625.