Maps
On this page we attempt to use the Sanborn Maps to analyze the changes made over the years to the downtown square around the turn of the century. By doing this we can determine the approximate age of many of the current buildings on the square. In difference to today, we can see that there were considerably more vacant lots around the square and that many of buildings were constructed of wood. It also shows many of the types of businesses that would have been necessary one hundred years ago such as livery's, tin shops, dry goods stores, and even fur traders.
In 1886 on the Main Street side of the square is the McElwain-Meguire Bank Building on the corner of Main and Depot (Kentucky) Streets. Next door to it is Wades Hall. Several of the building are of wood construction, indicated by the yellow color. Those are the only two buildings on that side of the square that still exist today.
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On the Cedar Street side, the Lovell & Grainger Building is at the corner of Main and Cedar. The Moores Drug Store Building is in the center of the block with the Patterson and Knapp Building adjacent to its east.
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On the College Street side there are several vacant lots on the north end and the Boisseau Hotel is located in the center of the block. None of these buildings still exist.
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On the north side at the corner of Main and Depot Streets is the Masonic Building. This and the two adjacent buildings are the only ones still in existence today.
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In 1892 the east side remained unchanged.
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On the south side of the square the Patterson &Knapp building makes its first appearance.
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