A Rails 8 web application providing an interactive virtual tour of the historic homes and landmarks in the Marquette Historic District of Kewaunee, Wisconsin.
The Marquette Historic District is a charming neighborhood in Kewaunee, Wisconsin, that preserves the architectural heritage and cultural history of this Lake Michigan coastal community. Named after Father Jacques Marquette, the French missionary and explorer who traveled through the region in the 17th century, this district showcases beautiful examples of late 19th and early 20th century residential architecture.
The district features a diverse collection of historic homes representing various architectural styles including Victorian, Prairie School, and Craftsman designs. These well-preserved structures tell the story of Kewaunee's development from a lumber and fishing community to a thriving lakeside town, reflecting the lives of the immigrant families—many of Czech, German, and Polish heritage—who built and inhabited these homes.
This virtual tour application allows visitors to explore the Marquette Historic District from anywhere in the world, providing:
- Interactive Map Experience: Navigate through the district using an interactive Google Maps interface with custom markers for each historic property
- Detailed Property Information: Learn about each home's architectural style, original owners, construction date, and historical significance
- Photo Galleries: View high-quality images of the historic properties showcasing their architectural details and current condition
- Educational Content: Discover the stories behind the families who lived in these homes and their contributions to Kewaunee's history
- Mobile-Friendly Design: Explore the district on any device with a responsive, touch-friendly interface
- Custom Map Markers: Interactive house-shaped markers that highlight when hovered
- Bidirectional Navigation: Click on map markers or sidebar listings to view property details
- Performance Optimized: Fast image loading with intelligent caching for smooth browsing
- Historical Context: Rich descriptions connecting individual properties to broader community history
- Accessibility: Designed with screen readers and keyboard navigation in mind
- Backend: Rails 8 with PostgreSQL database
- Frontend: Hotwire (Turbo + Stimulus) with vanilla JavaScript
- Maps: Google Maps JavaScript API with Advanced Markers
- Styling: Modern CSS with Propshaft asset pipeline
- Images: Active Storage for efficient photo management
- Deployment: Optimized for modern web hosting platforms