Historic places can be found throughout Lowell. From downtown to the city's many neighborhoods, architecture and history are defining elements of Lowell's character and identity. Many sites are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the official list of the Nation's resources worthy of preservation for their historic, architectural, or cultural value.
National Register listings in Lowell include mills, canals, churches, commercial buildings, residences, institutional buildings, and parks. Many can be found in districts while others are listed individually. Lowell has a total of 14 districts listed on the National Register and an additional 26 individually-listed properties as well as one National Historic Landmark district.
50 Highland Street (South Common Historic District)
Boott Cotton Mills (Locks and Canals Historic District)
Guard Locks on the Pawtucket Canal (Locks and Canals Historic District)
85 Fairmount Street (Belvidere Hill Historic District)
JC Ayer sarcophagus (Lowell Cemetery)
Talbot Building (Merrimack-Middle Streets Historic District)
Monarch/Owl Diner at 246 Appleton Street (National Register individually-listed)
National Register designation by itself does not place limitations on the use, alteration, or disposition of private property and is primarily honorary, symbolic, and used for identification, recognition, and planning purposes, not protective purposes. However, listing does provide some protection from adverse action due to federal or state funding, permitting, or licensing. Additionally, certain properties may be eligible for various incentives including tax credits and easements to assist in their preservation. Some National Register historic properties and areas in Lowell do overlap with local review and approval processes found in the 11 review districts under the jurisdiction of the Lowell Historic Board (LHB).
Please use this page to explore the many historic districts, places, and sites throughout Lowell and also learn about various architectural styles as well as architects of note who designed some of the city's most prominent buildings. Just click on the links in the left margin to start your journey!
Photos in this section are from, but not limited to, Lowell Historic Board, Lowell National Historical Park, City of Lowell, UMass Lowell Center for Lowell History, James Higgins, James Hogan, Joe Orfant, and Richard Howe, Jr.
