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

Sanilac County is a cool place in Michigan with lots of history! All over Michigan, there are special spots called Michigan State Historic Sites. These are places that are super important because of their history. They could be old buildings, special land, or even places where big events happened.
When a place becomes a State Historic Site, it means Michigan wants to remember and protect its story. Some of these sites are even more special because they are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are important to the whole country!
Let's explore some of these amazing historic places in Sanilac County.
Contents
Historic Places in Sanilac County
Buildings and Homes with Stories
Many historic sites in Sanilac County are old buildings and houses. These places often tell us about the people who lived there or what life was like a long time ago.
The Joseph M. Loop House
The Joseph M. Loop House is in Port Sanilac. It was listed as a historic site on December 10, 1971. This house belonged to Joseph M. Loop, an important person in the area's history. It's a great example of old homes in Michigan.
The Charles H. Moore Library
You can find the Charles H. Moore Library in Lexington. It became a historic site on August 12, 1977. Libraries are often important community centers, and this one has been around for a long time, serving the people of Lexington.
The Charles H. Moore-Albert E. Sleeper House
Also in Lexington is the Charles H. Moore-Albert E. Sleeper House. It was recognized as historic on April 15, 1977. This house is special because it connects two important figures in Michigan's past: Charles H. Moore and Albert E. Sleeper.
The William Reuben Nims House
The William Reuben Nims House is another historic home in Lexington. It joined the list of historic sites on December 3, 1980. Homes like this help us understand how people lived and built their houses many years ago.
The John L. Fead House
The John L. Fead House is also located in Lexington. It became a historic site on February 7, 1977. This house is a great example of the architecture from its time.
The Thomas and Margaret Spencer Matthews Farm
Near Croswell, you'll find the Thomas and Margaret Spencer Matthews Farm. This farm was listed as historic on February 16, 1995. Farms are important because they show us how people grew food and lived off the land in the past.
Community and Public Places
Some historic sites are places where people gathered, learned, or conducted business.
Port Sanilac Masonic and Town Hall
The Port Sanilac Masonic and Town Hall is in Port Sanilac. It became a historic site on June 15, 1979. This building likely served as a meeting place for community groups and for town government.
Marlette Township Library
The Marlette Township Library in Marlette was listed on August 3, 1979. Libraries are important for education and community life.
Lexington Town Hall and Masonic Temple
The Lexington Town Hall and Masonic Temple in Lexington became a historic site on February 18, 1982. This building probably played a big role in the town's government and social life.
Brown City Community Schools
The Brown City Community Schools in Brown City were recognized as historic in 1986. Schools are vital parts of any community, shaping young minds for the future.
Unique and Natural Historic Sites
Not all historic sites are buildings. Some are natural places or commemorate important events.
Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park
The Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park is in Greenleaf Township. It was listed on April 24, 1970. This park is super special because it has ancient rock carvings, called petroglyphs, made by early Native Americans. They show us art and stories from thousands of years ago!
Great Lake Storm of 1913 Informational Designation
Near Port Sanilac, there's a spot that remembers the Great Lake Storm of 1913. This was a huge and dangerous storm on the Great Lakes. It was recognized as historic on November 27, 1956. This site helps us remember the power of nature and the brave sailors who faced it.
Tug Sport Shipwreck Site
The Tug Sport Shipwreck Site is about 3 miles offshore in Lake Huron, near Lexington. This underwater site became historic on January 23, 1992. Shipwrecks are like time capsules at the bottom of the lake, telling us about old ships and their journeys.
Other Notable Sites
There are many other interesting historic sites in Sanilac County, each with its own story.
- Brown City Banner Commemorative Designation in Brown City, listed August 31, 1993.
- Buel Methodist Episcopal Church near Croswell, listed August 24, 1984.
- Old Catholic Rectory in Lexington, listed February 7, 1977.
- Church of the Good Shepherd in Lexington, listed April 5, 1974.
- Croswell Chapel of Trinity Episcopal Church in Croswell, listed February 7, 1977.
- Thomas U. Dawson House in Marlette, listed January 22, 1987.
- Flint and Pere Marquette Railroad Depot in Marlette, listed August 16, 2001.
- Huckins-Norman Farmhouse in Lexington, listed June 6, 1977.
- Lexington Bank of B. R. Noble in Lexington, listed September 8, 1982.
- New Carroll House in Brown City, listed January 19, 1989.
- Rudolph Papst House in Lexington, listed February 10, 1983.
- Uri Raymond House in Port Sanilac, listed May 21, 1992.
- Snay Cemetery in Palms, listed November 16, 1995.
- The Wolfel House in Lexington, listed October 2, 1980.
- Judge Watson Beach House in Lexington, listed November 2, 1980.
- L. Philip Wixson House in Lexington, listed October 11, 1990.
These historic sites help us learn about the past and understand how Sanilac County and Michigan have grown and changed over time. Visiting them is a great way to connect with history!