Description

The Jonestown Historic District, established in 1732 was laid out on ten acres dived into twenty lots on the east side of the Jones Falls. The district is a mix of industrial, commercial and residential buildings. There is a strong presence of religious buildings, churches and synagogues built by arriving immigrants. The McKim School and the Lloyd Street Synagogue are prime examples Greek Revival Architecture in America. The Russian Synagogue is denoted by its subdued Victorian Gothic Structure that synthesizes Romanesque and Moorish details. Residential buildings in the District are rowhomes and townhouses.

Significance

The Jonestown Historic district exemplifies the physical culture of a residential, commercial and industrial neighborhood that housed and employed several immigrant and class groups throughout the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. The District's religious, residential, commercial, industrial and institutional architecture - many of them are landmarks - record the evolution of a residential neighborhood and its significant contribution to Baltimore's manufacturing economy and culture. Together, the streetscapes of the District contain a sufficient number of structures in order to illustrate and convey the three-century development of Jonestown.

The District streetscapes provide scenic and historic value to the area. The collection of buildings, which include 8 Baltimore City Landmarks make up a streetscape unique to Baltimore. The District also contains The Flag House and the Shot Tower, both Registered National Historic Landmarks. The District, through major religious, industrial and institutional landmarks and several residential/commercial rowhouse structures exemplify the small scale coexistence of industry and residential uses that spurred Baltimore's growth throughout the late 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.