List of Michigan State Historic Sites in Ingham County facts for kids

Location of Ingham County in Michigan

Welcome to Ingham County, Michigan! This area is full of amazing places that tell stories about the past. These special spots are called Michigan State Historic Sites. They are recognized because they played an important part in Michigan's history. Some of these sites are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places (marked with a †) or even as National Historic Landmarks (marked with a ‡). This means they are super important to the history of the entire country!

Let's explore some of these cool places and learn about the history right here in Ingham County.

Exploring Ingham County's Historic Treasures

What Makes a Place Historic?

A Michigan State Historic Site is a place, building, or event that has been officially recognized by the state of Michigan. These sites help us remember important moments and people from our past. They are like giant history books you can visit!

Some sites are even more special. If a place has a little dagger symbol (†) next to its name, it means it's also on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places across the whole country that are important for their history, architecture, or archaeology.

And if you see a double dagger (‡), that means it's a National Historic Landmark. These are the most important historic places in the United States. They tell big stories about our nation's past.

Famous Buildings and Homes

Ingham County has many historic buildings, from grand government centers to cozy old houses. Each one has a unique story.

The Michigan State Capitol

The Michigan State Capitol‡ is one of the most important buildings in Michigan. It's where our state laws are made. This beautiful building in Lansing has been a National Historic Landmark since 1956. It's a symbol of our state's government and history.

Old Schools and Churches

Many old schools and churches in Ingham County are historic sites. The Central School† in East Lansing, built in 1917, is one example. It shows how education has changed over the years. Churches like the Central Methodist Episcopal Church† and the Church of the Resurrection and School in Lansing also have long histories. They served as important community centers for many years.

Important Houses

You can find many historic homes in Ingham County. The Andrews Hotel in Williamston, built in 1877, was once a busy hotel. The Charles Bachman House in East Lansing and the Louis Beck House in Lansing are examples of beautiful old homes. The Turner-Dodge House† in Lansing is another grand home with a rich past. It was built in 1855 and belonged to important early families in the city. These houses show us how people lived long ago.

Places of Innovation and Industry

Ingham County played a big role in Michigan's industrial history, especially with cars and technology.

The Birthplace of Oldsmobile

Lansing is famous as the Birthplace of Oldsmobile Division. This is where the Oldsmobile car company began. The REO Motor Car Company also started here. These sites remind us of Michigan's huge impact on the automobile industry.

Early Technology

The Michigan's First Rural Electric Line in Dansville was a big step forward. It brought electricity to farms and homes outside of cities for the first time. This changed how people lived and worked. The Bates and Edmonds Engine Company in Lansing also made important engines. These places show how technology grew in Michigan.

Nature and Community Spots

History isn't just about buildings; it's also about nature and how communities grew.

Beal Botanical Garden

The Beal Botanical Garden at Michigan State University is a living museum. It was started in 1873 by Professor William J. Beal. It's the oldest continuously operated university botanical garden in the United States. It's a beautiful place to learn about plants.

The Grand River

The Grand River is a major waterway in Michigan. It was very important for early settlers and Native Americans. The Grand River Trail was an old path that followed the river. These sites remind us of the natural features that shaped the area.

Pioneer Cemetery

The Pioneer Cemetery in Holt is a quiet place that tells the stories of the first people who settled in the area. Visiting old cemeteries can give you a glimpse into the lives of people from long ago.

Sites of Learning and Growth

Ingham County is home to important educational institutions that have shaped many lives.

Michigan State University

Michigan State University in East Lansing is a huge part of the county's history. College Hall was the first building for agricultural education in the country. The Library Museum (Linton Hall) and Laboratory Row also show the university's long history of learning and discovery.

Other Important Schools

Lansing Community College has also been recognized as a historic site. It provides education and training for many people in the area. The Michigan School for the Blind Complex in Lansing helped educate visually impaired students for many years. These places highlight the importance of education for everyone.

Other Interesting Historic Spots

There are many other unique historic sites in Ingham County.

Chief Okemos Village

The site of Chief Okemos / Okemos Village remembers the famous Chief Okemos of the Ottawa and Chippewa tribes. He was an important leader in Michigan's early history.

Malcolm X Homesite

The Malcolm X Homesite in Lansing is where the famous civil rights leader Malcolm X lived as a child. This site reminds us of his early life and the important impact he had on American history.

These are just a few of the many amazing historic sites in Ingham County. Each one helps us understand the rich and diverse history of this part of Michigan.

Images for kids

The historic Andrews Hotel in Williamston.
The Charles Bachman House in East Lansing.
The Bank of Lansing building.
The Barrett Building in Williamston.
The R.E. Olds Transportation Museum, located at the former Bates and Edmonds Engine Company site.
A view of the W. J. Beal Botanical Garden at MSU.
The Louis Beck House in Lansing.
The George Beeman House in Williamston.
The Bigelow-Kuhn House in East Lansing.
The Brown-Price House in Lansing.
The Capital Bank Tower in Lansing.
The Central Methodist Episcopal Church in Lansing.
Central School in East Lansing.
A view of Okemos Village.
The Church of the Resurrection in Lansing.
A map showing the location of College Hall at MSU.
The Collins Memorial A.M.E. Church in Lansing.
The Frank E. Cooley House in Lansing.
East Lansing City Hall.
The Ethel Apartments in Lansing.
Eustace Hall at Michigan State University.
The Roswell Everett House in Lansing.
The Edward Ferris House in Onondaga.
The First Baptist Church of Leslie.
A sign marking the First Capitol in Lansing.
The First Presbyterian Church in Lansing.
The Charles Fitch House in Mason.
The Franklin Avenue Presbyterian Church in Lansing.
A sign about the Grand River in Lansing.
A sign marking the Grand River Trail near Williamston.
The Grand Trunk Western Rail Station in Lansing.
The Bert F. Hammond House in Williamston.
A sign for Haslett.
The John T. Herrmann House in Lansing.
The historic Kerns Hotel in Lansing.
The Morgan B. Hungerford House in Lansing.
The Ingham County Courthouse in Mason.
A plaque at the Intersection of Base Line with the Principal Meridian.
Lansing City Hall.
A sign for Lansing Community College.
Lansing Fire Station No. 8.
The Lansing City Market.
Lansing No. 7 Fire House.
The LeRoy Township District No. 6 School.
Linton Hall at Michigan State University.
A sign marking the Malcolm X Homesite in Lansing.
The Masonic Temple in Lansing.
The Masonic Temple Building in East Lansing.
A sign for the Michigan Association of Counties.
The Michigan Automobile Dealers Association building in East Lansing.
The Michigan Education Association Building in Lansing.
The Michigan Licensed Beverage Association building in Lansing.
The Michigan Manufacturers Association building in Lansing.
The Michigan Millers Mutual Fire Insurance Company building in Lansing.
A sign for the Michigan Pharmacists Association.
The Michigan Retail Hardware Association building in Lansing.
The administration building of the Michigan School for the Blind.
A sign for the Michigan Sheriffs' Association.
The Michigan Society of Optometrists building in Lansing.
The Michigan Society of Professional Engineers building in Lansing.
The Michigan State Capitol building.
The Michigan State Dental Association building in Okemos.
The Michigan State Medical Society Headquarters Building.
The former Michigan State Police Headquarters Complex.
Laboratory Row at Michigan State University.
A plaque marking Michigan's First Rural Electric Line.
The Darius B. Moon House in Lansing.
Buildings in the North Lansing Historic Commercial District.
A sign for the Okemos Methodist Church.
The former Olds Mansion in Lansing.
The Orchard Street Pump House in East Lansing.
A sign for George E. Palmer/Old Newsboys.
The Penfil Apartments in Lansing.
The Phoenix Mill in Mason.
The Pink School House in Mason.
Pioneer Cemetery in Holt.
The Plymouth Congregational Church in East Lansing.
The President's House at Michigan State University.
The Alonzo Proctor Toll House in Okemos.
The John Rayner House in Mason.
The Herbert M. Rogers House in Lansing.
Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian Church in Leslie.
St. Katherine's Chapel in Williamstown Township.
St. Mary Parish in Williamston.
Saint Paul's Episcopal Church in Lansing.
Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish in East Lansing.
The Dr. James F. Smiley House in Okemos.
The Smith–Turner House in Lansing.
The State Bar of Michigan building in Lansing.
The Stockbridge Town Hall.
The Strand Theatre and Arcade in Lansing.
The Turner-Dodge House in Lansing.
The Union Depot in Lansing.
The Union Hall Building in Leslie.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars National Home.
The Ulysses D. Ward House in Lansing.
The White Oak Township Hall.
The Alvin Whitehead-James Seager House in Lansing.
The Williamston Center United Methodist Church.
The American Legion building in Lansing.
The Women's Club Association Building in Lansing.
The Woodberry-Kerns House in Lansing.
The Chester D. Woodbury House in East Lansing.