Date of Award

Spring 1984

Project Type

Dissertation

Program or Major

History

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Abstract

This dissertation examines the evolution of a site from 1630 to 1850. Until 1690 the site was part of a large farmstead; during the eighteenth century it became a thriving commercial area in the seaport town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire; after 1820 it became an old waterfront neighborhood serving primarily as a residential area. The study first places the site within the context of the larger community, and then looks at spatial arrangements and structural forms within the site itself. Finally it follows the changing reputation of the area.

The local economy was the strongest influence on the way people organized and built a neighborhood at the site. The importance of other factors, such as the natural environment, aesthetics and population density, varied from time to time. The way the site evolved was a result of the interplay of such factors.

Share

COinS