kids encyclopedia robot

National Register of Historic Places listings in Androscoggin County, Maine facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Map of Maine highlighting Androscoggin County
Location of Androscoggin County in Maine

Welcome to Androscoggin County, Maine! This area is home to many special places that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Think of this register as a very important list of buildings, sites, and objects across the United States that are worth preserving because of their history, architecture, or what they mean to a community.

In Androscoggin County, there are 108 places on this list. One of them is even a "National Historic Landmark," which is an even higher honor! These places tell us stories about the past, from old homes and churches to big mills and unique villages. They help us understand how people lived, worked, and built communities long ago.

What is the National Register of Historic Places?

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the United States' historic places that are considered worthy of preservation. It's like a hall of fame for important historical buildings and areas. When a place is added to this list, it means it has special historical, architectural, archaeological, engineering, or cultural importance.

Why are places listed?

Places are listed for many reasons. Maybe a famous person lived there, or an important event happened there. Sometimes, a building is a great example of a certain style of architecture. Listing a place helps protect it and makes people more aware of its value. It can also help owners get grants or tax benefits to help take care of these old buildings.

Historic Treasures of Androscoggin County

Androscoggin County has a rich history, and its listed places show this. You can find all sorts of interesting sites, from grand old homes to busy factory buildings that were once the heart of the community.

Mills and Factories

Many places on the list are old mills. These were huge factories where things like textiles (cloth) were made. They were very important to the growth of cities like Lewiston and Auburn.

  • The Bates Mill Historic District in Lewiston is a great example. It includes many buildings that were part of a massive textile mill complex. Imagine how busy these places were, with hundreds of people working inside!
  • The Barker Mill in Auburn is another important mill building. These mills often used the power of the Androscoggin River to run their machines.
  • The Worumbo Mill in Lisbon Falls is also on the list, showing how important mills were across the county.

Important Buildings and Homes

Many beautiful and historically significant buildings are also listed.

  • The Androscoggin County Courthouse and Jail in Auburn is a grand building where important legal decisions have been made for many years.
  • Lewiston City Hall and the Lewiston Public Library are also listed. These buildings have been central to the city's life for a long time.
  • The Kora Temple in Lewiston is a unique building with a very distinctive design. It was built for a fraternal organization.
  • Many historic homes are on the list, like the Horatio G. Foss House in Auburn or the Sen. William P. Frye House in Lewiston. These homes often show us the architectural styles and living conditions of people from different eras.

Unique Sites and Villages

Some listings are not just single buildings but entire areas or very unique sites.

  • The Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in Sabbathday Lake is a National Historic Landmark. It's a special place because it's the last active Shaker community in the world. The Shakers were a religious group known for their simple lifestyle and beautiful craftsmanship. This village shows how they lived and worked.
  • The Poland Spring Bottling Plant and Spring House in Poland is famous for its natural spring water. This site tells the story of how a local spring became a nationally recognized brand. It's now a museum where you can learn about its history.
  • The Norlands in Livermore is a historic farm and museum that shows what rural life was like in the 19th century. It's a living history center where you can experience the past.

Images for kids

kids search engine
National Register of Historic Places listings in Androscoggin County, Maine Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.