Rural Historic Structural Survey of Wilmington Township, Will County, Illinois

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.

From executive summary: "At the request of the Will County Land Use Department, acting as liaison for the Will County Historic Preservation Commission, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) has prepared this summary report of the 2009 intensive survey of farmsteads in Wilmington Township in Will County, Illinois. The survey included approximately thirty-six square miles with 71 farmsteads and related sites containing more than 241 individual structures. Of the 71 farmsteads identified in the current survey, eleven sites have the potential to be considered for Will County Historic Landmark designation or listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The present study also identified additional noteworthy sites that are excluded from consideration as county landmarks since they are located within the incorporated limits of the City of Wilmington. In some cases, the eligibility of the site would be enhanced if certain historic features were restored or non-historic cladding materials such as vinyl siding were removed. Other sites have either been designated Contributing, which means in the context of this report that they retain their overall character as historically agricultural sites but lack individual distinction; or Non-contributing, which indicates that the site lacks sufficient integrity to present the theme of agricultural history in the survey region. Due to the extent of suburban development in these two townships, no potential historic districts have been identified as part of the present survey... In this report, Chapter 1 contains a description of the project methodology. Chapters 2 and 3 provide the historical and architectural context within which the surveyed farmsteads were established, grew, were reconfigured, and in some cases were abandoned. Chapter 2 covers the historical context of Will County agriculture, as well as the historical development of Wilmington Township. Chapter 3 discusses the architectural context of the rural survey area. Chapter 4 summarizes the survey results and includes a discussion of the National Register and Will County criteria for designation of historical and architectural significance. Also in Chapter 4 are several tabulations of the survey results and an overview of a select number of historically and/or architecturally significant farmsteads. A bibliography of research sources follows the text. Appendices include historic and contemporary plat maps for Wilmington Township, and maps developed for this report to present the results of the survey and research." Funding was provided in part by a 2008 Preserve America grant to the County of Will (grant number 17-08-AP-4113). The grant was administered by the State, Tribal, and Local Plans and Grants Division, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Preserve America is a federal initiative that encourages and supports community efforts to preserve and enjoy our priceless cultural and natural heritage. The goals of the program include a greater shared knowledge about the nation's past, strengthened regional identities and local pride, increased local participation in preserving the country's cultural and natural heritage assets, and support for the economic vitality of our communities.

Rural Historic Structural Survey of Wilmington Township, Will County, Illinois

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