National Register of Historic Places listings in Allegany County, Maryland facts for kids
Hey, ever wondered about old buildings and places that have a cool story to tell? In Allegany County, Maryland, there's a special list of places called the National Register of Historic Places. It's like a hall of fame for buildings, neighborhoods, and even old roads that are super important to American history and culture. When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized as a valuable part of our past, and people try to protect it for future generations to enjoy.
Allegany County has 46 amazing places on this list. They include everything from old houses and churches to entire neighborhoods and even parts of old canals and railroads! These places help us understand what life was like long ago and how our communities grew.
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What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of important historic sites in the United States. It's managed by the National Park Service. When a building, structure, object, site, or district is added to this list, it means it has special historical, architectural, archaeological, engineering, or cultural importance.
Why are these places special?
Being on the National Register helps protect these places. It encourages people to preserve them and sometimes even helps them get grants for repairs. It also makes people more aware of the history around them. These sites tell stories about the past, like how people lived, worked, and built their communities.
Cool Historic Spots in Allegany County
Allegany County is full of history, and many of its treasures are on the National Register. Let's explore a few of these fascinating places.
Historic Buildings in Cumberland
Cumberland, Maryland has many buildings on the list. It was once a very important city because of its location on major transportation routes.
16 Altamont Terrace
This house, located at 16 Altamont Terrace, was added to the Register in 1975. It's a great example of the beautiful homes built in Cumberland many years ago.
African Methodist Episcopal Church
The African Methodist Episcopal Church on Decatur and Frederick Streets was listed in 1979. This church is important because it represents the history and community of African Americans in Cumberland.
B'er Chayim Temple
The B'er Chayim Temple, found at Union and S. Centre Streets, joined the list in 1979. It's a significant religious building with unique architecture.
City Hall
Cumberland's City Hall, located on N. Center Street, became a historic site in 1973. This building has been the center of local government for a long time.
Cumberland YMCA
The Cumberland YMCA, at 205 Baltimore Avenue, was added in 1997. The YMCA has played a big role in the community, offering activities and support to people of all ages.
First Baptist Church
The First Baptist Church at 212 Bedford Street was listed in 1980. It's another beautiful example of historic church architecture in the city.
Footer's Dye Works, located at South Mechanic and Howard Streets, was added in 2013. This building was once a busy factory that helped the local economy.
Western Maryland Railway Station
The Western Maryland Railway Station on Canal Street was listed in 1973. This station was a major hub for trains, connecting Cumberland to other parts of the country and playing a big part in its growth.
Historic Districts
Sometimes, it's not just one building that's important, but an entire area! These are called historic districts.
Chapel Hill Historic District
This district in Cumberland, roughly bounded by Industrial Boulevard and E. Oldtown Road, was listed in 2005. It shows how neighborhoods developed over time.
Downtown Cumberland Historic District
The heart of Cumberland, bounded by Mechanic, Bedford, George, and Harrison Streets, became a historic district in 1983. This area has many old shops, offices, and homes that tell the story of the city's past.
Frostburg Historic District
The town of Frostburg, Maryland also has its own historic district, listed in 1983. It includes many streets like Main, Frost, and Broadway, showing the town's unique character.
Lonaconing Historic District
The town of Lonaconing, Maryland has a historic district too, added in 1983. It includes parts of Maryland Routes 36 and 657, and streets like Church and E. Main. This district highlights Lonaconing's history as a mining town.
Mount Savage Historic District
Mount Savage, Maryland's historic district was listed in 1983. It's roughly bounded by Foundry Row and Columbia Avenue. This area tells the story of early industrial development in the region.
Other Important Sites
Allegany County also has other unique historic places.
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
This huge park borders the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. all the way to Cumberland. It was listed in 1966 and preserves a historic canal that was once used to transport goods.
La Vale Tollgate House
The La Vale Tollgate House, located on U.S. Route 40, was listed in 1971. This small building was where travelers paid a fee to use the old National Road, one of the first major roads in the country.
Lonaconing Furnace
The Lonaconing Furnace on E. Main Street was added in 1973. This old iron furnace is a reminder of the area's industrial past and how iron was made long ago.
Old National Pike Milestones
These milestones, listed in 1975, are stone markers along the old National Pike (U.S. Route 40). They show how far travelers had gone and are a cool piece of road history.
Union Grove Schoolhouse
Northeast of Cumberland on Mason Road, the Union Grove Schoolhouse was listed in 1979. This old schoolhouse gives us a peek into what education was like in rural areas many years ago.
Former Listing
Sometimes, a historic place might be removed from the National Register. This usually happens if it's destroyed or changed so much that it loses its historic importance.
Queen City Hotel
The Queen City Hotel in Cumberland was listed in 1971 but removed in 1972. It was damaged by a fire in 1969 and then torn down in 1972. It's a sad reminder that not all historic places can be saved forever.