National Register of Historic Places listings in Lewis County, Washington facts for kids
Imagine a special list that helps protect old and important buildings, places, and objects! That's what the National Register of Historic Places is all about. It's like a hall of fame for historical sites across the United States.
This page tells you about the amazing historical places in Lewis County, Washington, that are on this special list. These places help us learn about the past and keep history alive for everyone.
Lewis County has 41 places on this list. Two other places were once on the list but have been removed.
Contents
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation's historic places. It is part of a program to coordinate and support public and private efforts. This program helps identify, evaluate, and protect America's historic and archaeological resources. When a place is added to the Register, it means it's important to local, state, or national history.
Cool Historic Places in Lewis County
Lewis County is home to many fascinating places on the National Register. These sites include old homes, schools, churches, train stations, and even parts of a national park! They show us how people lived, worked, and built communities long ago.
Historic Homes and Buildings
Many old houses in Lewis County are on the list. These homes often show us different styles of architecture from the past.
George E. Birge House
The George E. Birge House is in Centralia. It was added to the list in 1986. This house is a great example of older homes in the area.
Joseph Borst House
Also in Centralia, the Joseph Borst House was listed in 1977. It was designed by an architect named Jacob Ort. It's a beautiful old home that tells a story about early settlers.
Hubbard Bungalow
The Hubbard Bungalow is another Centralia home. It was added to the list in 2005. Bungalows were a popular style of house in the early 1900s.
John R. Jackson House
The John R. Jackson House is near Chehalis. It was listed in 1974. This house is very important because it was one of the first homes built by American settlers north of the Columbia River.
O. B. McFadden House
In Chehalis, you can find the O. B. McFadden House. It was listed in 1975. This house belonged to a notable person in the community's history.
Ben Olsen House
The Ben Olsen House is located in Vader. It was added to the list in 1976. It's another example of a well-preserved historic home.
Important Public Buildings
Lewis County also has several public buildings that are historically significant.
Burlington Northern Depot
The Burlington Northern Depot in Chehalis was listed in 1974. This old train station is now the Lewis County Historical Museum. It's a great place to learn about the county's past.
Centralia Union Depot
The Centralia Union Depot is another historic train station. It was listed in 1988. Train stations were once very busy places, connecting towns and people.
Lewis County Courthouse
The Lewis County Courthouse in Chehalis was added to the list in 2014. Courthouses are often important buildings where local government and justice take place.
U.S. Post Office – Centralia Main
The main post office in Centralia was listed in 1991. Post offices have always been key places for communication and connecting communities.
U.S. Post Office – Chehalis Main
Similarly, the main post office in Chehalis was listed in 1991. Both post offices show the classic architecture of government buildings from their time.
Historic Districts
Sometimes, a whole area or group of buildings is important enough to be listed. These are called historic districts.
Centralia Downtown Historic District
The Centralia Downtown Historic District was listed in 2003. This area includes many historic buildings in the heart of Centralia. Walking through it is like stepping back in time.
Chehalis Downtown Historic District
The Chehalis Downtown Historic District was listed in 1997. It covers a significant part of downtown Chehalis.
Hillside Historic District
The Hillside Historic District in Chehalis was listed in 1996. This district likely includes a collection of historic homes or buildings on a hillside.
Pennsylvania Avenue-West Side Historic District
This district in Chehalis was listed in 1991. It includes specific blocks of Pennsylvania Avenue and West Side Street, showing a historic neighborhood.
Churches and Schools
Places of worship and learning are also important parts of history.
Boistfort High School
Boistfort High School in Curtis was listed in 1987. It's part of a group of rural public schools in Washington State that are recognized for their history.
Claquato Church
The Claquato Church near Chehalis was listed in 1973. It is one of the oldest churches in Washington State. It's a beautiful and simple wooden church.
Grace Evangelical Church of Vader
The Grace Evangelical Church of Vader was listed in 2003. It's another example of a historic church building in the county.
Holy Cross Polish National Catholic Church
In Pe Ell, the Holy Cross Polish National Catholic Church was listed in 1987. This church reflects the history of different communities settling in the area.
Parks and Natural Areas
Some listings are within larger natural areas, like national forests or parks.
La Wis Wis Guard Station No. 1165
This guard station is in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest near Packwood. It was listed in 1986. Guard stations were used by forest rangers to manage and protect the forests.
Mount Rainier National Park
A large part of Mount Rainier National Park is listed as a National Historic Landmark District. It was added in 1997. This means the park itself, with its historic buildings and structures, is recognized for its national importance.
North Fork Guard Station No. 1142
Another guard station in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, near Randle, was listed in 1986.
Ohanapecosh Comfort Station No. O-302
This comfort station is in Mount Rainier National Park, near Ohanapecosh. It was listed in 1991. These buildings were often built in a rustic style to blend with the natural surroundings.
Ohanapecosh Comfort Station No. O-303
Another comfort station in the same area of Mount Rainier National Park, also listed in 1991.
Randle Ranger Station-Work Center
This station in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest near Randle was listed in 1986. It served as a base for forest management activities.
Three Lakes Patrol Cabin
This patrol cabin is also in Mount Rainier National Park. It was listed in 1991. Patrol cabins were used by park rangers while on patrol in remote areas.
Other Interesting Sites
Lewis County has a few unique listings that don't fit neatly into other categories.
Mineral Log Lodge
The Mineral Log Lodge is located by Mineral Lake in Mineral. It was listed in 1975. This lodge is a great example of log construction.
Olympic Club Saloon
The Olympic Club Saloon in Centralia was listed in 1980. This historic building has been a landmark in Centralia for a long time.
Scout Lodge
The Scout Lodge in Chehalis was listed in 2004. This building has likely served as a meeting place for local scout groups for many years.
St. Helens Hotel
The St. Helens Hotel in Chehalis was listed in 1991. Old hotels often have many stories to tell about travelers and local events.
The Sentinel
The Sentinel is a statue located in Washington Park in Centralia. It was listed in 1991. The statue was created by sculptor Alonzo Victor Lewis.
Wesley Everest Gravesite
The Wesley Everest Gravesite is in Sticklin-Greenwood Memorial Park in Centralia. It was listed in 1991. This gravesite belongs to a historical figure from the area.
Former Listings
Sometimes, a place is removed from the National Register. This can happen if the building is destroyed or if it loses its historical importance.
Doty Bridge
The Doty Bridge once spanned the Chehalis River in Doty. It was listed in 1982 but removed in 1990.
Weyerhaeuser Pe Ell Bridge
This bridge, south of Pe Ell, also spanned the Chehalis River. It was listed in 1982 and removed in 1990.
Images for kids
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George E. Birge House
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Boistfort High School
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Joseph Borst House
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Burlington Northern Depot
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Centralia Downtown Historic District
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Centralia Union Depot
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Chehalis Downtown Historic District
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Claquato Church
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Wesley Everest Gravesite
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Grace Evangelical Church of Vader
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Hillside Historic District
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Holy Cross Polish National Catholic Church
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Hubbard Bungalow
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John R. Jackson House
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La Wis Wis Guard Station No. 1165
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O. B. McFadden House
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Mineral Log Lodge
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Mount Rainier National Park
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Lewis County Courthouse
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North Fork Guard Station No. 1142
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Ohanapecosh Comfort Station No. O-302
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Ohanapecosh Comfort Station No. O-303
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Ben Olsen House
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Olympic Club Saloon
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O. K. Palmer House
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Pennsylvania Avenue-West Side Historic District
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Randle Ranger Station-Work Center
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Scout Lodge
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St. Helens Hotel
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The Sentinel
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U.S. Post Office – Centralia Main
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U.S. Post Office – Chehalis Main
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Weyerhaeuser Pe Ell Bridge
