National Register of Historic Places listings in Allen County, Indiana facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about old buildings and places that are super important to history? In Allen County, Indiana, there are many such places! They are listed on something called the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a special list kept by the United States government. It helps protect buildings, sites, and objects that are important for their history, architecture, or what they mean to a community.
When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized as a valuable part of our country's past. It helps people learn about history and makes sure these special spots are kept safe for future generations. Allen County has 73 places on this list, and two of them are even more special, called "National Historic Landmarks." These are places that are important to the whole country, not just the local area.
Some of these places are in big cities like Fort Wayne, while others are in smaller towns or even out in the countryside. Let's explore some of these amazing historic spots!
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Cool Historic Places in Allen County
Allen County is full of interesting buildings and sites that tell stories from the past. Here are a few examples of places on the National Register of Historic Places:
Historic Buildings in Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, the biggest city in Allen County, has many historic buildings.
Allen County Courthouse
The Allen County Courthouse is a huge, beautiful building in downtown Fort Wayne. It was built a long time ago, in 1902. This courthouse is a great example of fancy architecture from that time. It's not just a place where laws are made; it's also a National Historic Landmark because of its amazing design and history.
Embassy Theatre and Indiana Hotel
The Embassy Theatre and Indiana Hotel is another famous spot in Fort Wayne. It opened in 1928 as a movie palace and hotel. Imagine watching a movie in a place that looks like a grand old castle! Today, it's still a popular place for concerts and shows. It's a reminder of how people used to enjoy entertainment.
Fort Wayne City Hall
The Fort Wayne City Hall is an old building that used to be where the city government worked. It was built in 1893 and has a unique style. Even though the city government moved to a new building, this old City Hall is still an important part of Fort Wayne's history.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is a large, beautiful church in Fort Wayne. It was built in the late 1800s and has stunning stained-glass windows and detailed architecture. It's a significant religious landmark in the city.
Pennsylvania Railroad Station
The Pennsylvania Railroad Station was once a busy train station in Fort Wayne. Built in 1914, it was a hub for travelers and goods coming in and out of the city by train. Train stations like this were very important before cars and planes became common.
Historic Homes and Farms
Many historic homes in Allen County are on the list, showing us how people lived long ago.
John H. Bass Mansion
The John H. Bass Mansion is a grand house built in 1902. John H. Bass was an important businessman in Fort Wayne. His mansion shows the fancy homes that wealthy people built over a hundred years ago.
Chief Jean Baptiste de Richardville House
The Chief Jean Baptiste de Richardville House is a very special home. It belonged to Chief Jean Baptiste de Richardville, a leader of the Miami people. This house, built around 1827, is one of the oldest buildings in the area and is a National Historic Landmark. It tells an important story about the Native American history of Indiana.
Martin Blume Jr. Farm
The Martin Blume Jr. Farm is a historic farm located northeast of Fort Wayne. It shows what farming life was like in the past. Farms like this were the backbone of communities, providing food and resources.
Other Unique Historic Sites
Johnny Appleseed Park
Johnny Appleseed Park is a park in Fort Wayne named after the famous American pioneer, John Chapman, also known as Johnny Appleseed. He was known for planting apple trees across the Midwest. This park is where he is believed to be buried, making it a unique historical site.
Lindenwood Cemetery
Lindenwood Cemetery is a large, historic cemetery in Fort Wayne. It was established in 1859 and is known for its beautiful landscaping and old monuments. Many important people from Fort Wayne's history are buried here.
Wells Street Bridge
The Wells Street Bridge crosses the St. Marys River in Fort Wayne. It's an old bridge, built in 1888, and is a great example of early bridge design. Bridges are important for connecting communities and allowing people to travel.
Nickel Plate 765 Steam Locomotive
The Nickel Plate 765 is not a building, but a huge steam train! This locomotive, built in 1944, is a powerful reminder of the age of steam trains. It's preserved east of New Haven and sometimes even travels for special events, letting people experience what old trains were like.
Historic Neighborhoods
Some entire neighborhoods are on the National Register because they have many old, well-preserved homes and a special feel. These are called "Historic Districts."
- Brookview-Irvington Park Historic District: A neighborhood in Fort Wayne with many older homes.
- Forest Park Boulevard Historic District: Known for its beautiful tree-lined streets and historic houses.
- The Landing Historic District: This area in downtown Fort Wayne was once a busy port along the river. It has many old commercial buildings.
- South Wayne Historic District: Another residential area in Fort Wayne with many historic homes.
Places That Were Once Listed
Sometimes, a historic place might be removed from the National Register. This can happen if the building is changed too much, or if it's destroyed.
- Irene Byron Tuberculosis Sanatorium: This was a place where people with tuberculosis were treated. It was removed from the list in 2013.
- Hursh Road Bridge: An old bridge near Cedarville that was removed from the list in 1993.
- St. Mary's Catholic Church: This church in Fort Wayne was unfortunately destroyed by a fire in 1993 after being struck by lightning.
These listings help us remember and appreciate the rich history of Allen County and the important stories these places tell.
Images for kids
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John H. and Mary Abercrombie House
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John H. Bass Mansion
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Blackstone Building
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Martin Blume Jr. Farm
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Brookview-Irvington Park Historic District
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John Brown Stone Warehouse
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Craigville Depot
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Chief Jean Baptiste de Richardville House
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Dutch Ridge Historic District
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William S. Edsall House
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Engine House No. 3
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Fairfield Manor
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Robert M. Feustel House
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Forest Park Boulevard Historic District
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Fort Wayne City Hall
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Fort Wayne Park and Boulevard System Historic District
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Fort Wayne Printing Company Building
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Foster Park Neighborhood Historic District
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William C. and Clara Hagerman House
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John and Dorothy Haynes House
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Illsley Place-West Rudisill Historic District
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Indian Village Historic District
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Johnny Appleseed Memorial Park
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Journal-Gazette Building
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Harry A. Keplinger House
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Kresge-Groth Building
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Lafayette Place Historic District
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The Landing Historic District
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Lindenwood Cemetery
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Masonic Temple
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McColloch-Weatherhogg Double House
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Hugh McCulloch House
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Louis Mohr Block
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New York Chicago and St. Louis Railroad Steam Locomotive No. 765
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Ninde-Mead-Farnsworth House
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North Anthony Boulevard Historic District
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Oakdale Historic District
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Pennsylvania Railroad Station
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John Claus Peters House
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Randall Building
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Alexander Taylor Rankin House
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Horney Robinson House
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St. Louis, Besancon, Historic District
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St. Peter's Square
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St. Vincent Villa Historic District
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Schmitz Block
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Smith Field
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South Wayne Historic District
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Southwood Park Historic District
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Christian G. Strunz House
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Thomas W. Swinney House
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Trinity Episcopal Church
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US Post Office and Courthouse
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Vermilyea Inn Historic District
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Wabash Railroad Depot
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Wells Street Bridge
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West End Historic District
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Fisher West Farm
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Wildwood Park Historic District
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Williams-Woodland Park Historic District
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Irene Byron Tuberculosis Sanatorium-Physicians' Residences
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St. Mary's Catholic Church
