List of Michigan State Historic Sites in St facts for kids
Welcome to St. Joseph County, Michigan! This area is full of amazing places that tell stories from the past. These special spots are called Michigan State Historic Sites. They are important because they help us learn about the history of Michigan and the people who lived here long ago.
Some of these sites are extra special because they are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You'll see a small dagger symbol (†) next to their names if they are on both lists. This means they are recognized as important historical places across the whole country!
Contents
Historic Homes and Important People
Many historic sites in St. Joseph County are old houses where interesting people once lived. These homes give us a peek into daily life from long ago.
Governor John S. Barry House
The Governor John S. Barry House† is located at 280 North Washington Street in Constantine. This house was once home to John S. Barry, who was a governor of Michigan! It became a historic site on September 25, 1956. Imagine living in a house where a state governor once made important decisions!
Leverett and Amanda Clapp House
In Centreville, you can find the Leverett and Amanda Clapp House at 324 West Main Street. This lovely home was recognized as a historic site in 2009. It's a great example of the kind of houses people built a long time ago.
Morse–Scoville House
Another interesting home is the Morse-Scoville House† at 685 Washington in Constantine. It was listed as a historic site on April 18, 1996. Houses like these help us understand the architecture and lifestyles of the past.
Arthur Silliman House
The Arthur Silliman House† is located at 116 South Main Street in Three Rivers. This house became a historic site on May 14, 1975. It's a significant part of the history of Three Rivers.
Old Schools, Libraries, and Public Buildings
Historic sites also include important public buildings like schools, libraries, and courthouses. These places were central to community life.
Colon Public Library
The Colon Public Library at 128 South Blackstone Avenue in Colon became a historic site on September 25, 1985. Libraries are important places for learning and community gatherings.
Nottawa District No. 3 Schoolhouse
East of Nottawa, at the junction of Sturgis and Filmore Roads (M-86), stands the Nottawa District No. 3 Schoolhouse†. This old schoolhouse was listed as a historic site on August 13, 1971. Imagine going to school in a building like this!
St. Joseph County Courthouse
The St. Joseph County Courthouse† is at 125 West Main Street in Centreville. This impressive building, where many important county decisions have been made, became a historic site on March 20, 1984.
General Land Office (White Pigeon, MI)
In White Pigeon, you can find the General Land Office† at 113 West Chicago Road (US-12). This building was very important for settlers who wanted to buy land. It was listed as a historic site on December 19, 1984.
Bridges and Other Unique Places
St. Joseph County also has historic bridges and other special locations that tell unique stories.
Langley Covered Bridge
About 3 miles north of Centreville on Covered Bridge Road is the famous Langley Covered Bridge. This beautiful bridge was listed as a historic site on August 31, 1965. Covered bridges are rare and very cool to see!
Mottville Bridge
The Mottville Bridge† crosses the St. Joseph River on Old US-12 in Mottville. This bridge became a historic site on April 10, 1986. Bridges are important for connecting communities and have interesting engineering.
Colon, Michigan / Harry Blackstone Informational Designation
Colon is known as the "Magic Capital of the World"! The informational designation at the corner of Blackstone and Main in Colon celebrates this unique history and the famous magician Harry Blackstone. It was listed on April 15, 1977.
Chief Wahbememe Burial Site
At the northwest corner of US-12 and US-131 in White Pigeon is the Chief Wahbememe Burial Site†. This site honors Chief Wahbememe, also known as Chief White Pigeon, an important Native American leader. It became a historic site on May 17, 1988.
These are just a few of the many fascinating historic sites in St. Joseph County. Each one has a story to tell about Michigan's rich past!
