Inspiration Point Shelter House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Inspiration Point Shelter House
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Shelter House in 2018
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 Inspiration Point Shelter House
Location in Texas
Inspiration Point Shelter House
Location in the United States
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| Location | Roughly 250 yds. S. of 2400 blk. of Roberts Cut Off Rd. in Marion Sansom Park, Fort Worth, Texas |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1927 |
| Built by | Thomas S. Byrne |
| Architect | E.W. Van Slyke & Co. |
| Architectural style | Rustic |
| NRHP reference No. | 14000105 |
| Added to NRHP | March 31, 2014 |
The Inspiration Point Shelter House is a cool open-air building in Marion Sansom Park, Fort Worth, Texas. It's like a big covered picnic area without walls. Built way back in 1927, this special spot sits on a high limestone cliff. From here, you can see amazing views! You can look out over the Lake Worth dam, an old fish farm, and the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base.
This shelter house was designed in a unique style called "National Park Service Rustic." It uses natural materials to blend in with the outdoors. Most of the building is made from strong limestone. Sadly, a fire damaged the roof in 1973. But don't worry, it was fixed up and restored in 2011! Because of its history and special design, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 31, 2014.
Discovering Inspiration Point Shelter House
The Inspiration Point Shelter House is a neat place to visit in Fort Worth. It's not just any old building; it's a piece of history. This shelter offers a perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature. It's a great example of how buildings can be made to fit into their natural surroundings.
What is a Shelter House?
A shelter house is a simple building, often found in parks. It usually has a roof and supports but no full walls. People use them for picnics, gatherings, or just to get out of the sun or rain. The Inspiration Point Shelter House is a very old and special kind of shelter.
A Look Back: Its History
The Inspiration Point Shelter House was built in 1927. This was a time when people were starting to appreciate national parks more. The idea was to create buildings that looked like they belonged in nature.
The Fire and Restoration
On December 22, 1973, a fire sadly destroyed the original roof of the shelter. For a while, it wasn't the same. But in 2011, a big effort was made to restore it. This means it was carefully repaired to look like it did when it was first built. Now, it stands strong again for everyone to enjoy.
What Makes It Special: Design and Style
The shelter house was designed by E.W. Van Slyke & Co. It was built by Thomas S. Byrne. They used a style called "National Park Service Rustic." This style is also known as "Parkitecture."
Rustic Architecture Explained
Rustic architecture uses natural materials like stone and wood. It tries to make buildings look like they grew out of the landscape. For the Inspiration Point Shelter House, they used lots of local limestone. This makes it blend in perfectly with the rocky bluff it sits on. The design is simple but very strong and beautiful.
Why It's Important: A Historic Landmark
The Inspiration Point Shelter House is more than just a nice building. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical site.
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is a list of places in the United States that are important to history. When a place is added to this list, it means it's special. It helps protect these places so future generations can learn from them. The shelter house was added to this list on March 31, 2014.
Views from Inspiration Point
The location of the shelter house is truly inspiring. It's called "Inspiration Point" for a reason! From its spot on the limestone bluff, you get wide-open views.
- Lake Worth Dam: You can see the large dam that holds back the water of Lake Worth.
- Old Fish Hatchery: There's also an old fish hatchery nearby. This was a place where young fish were raised.
- Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base: You can even spot parts of the Naval Air Station. This is a base for military aircraft.
It's a great place to visit if you're in Fort Worth. You can enjoy the views, learn about history, and appreciate the unique architecture.
