National Register of Historic Places listings in Bell County, Kentucky facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about the special places in your community that tell a story about the past? In Bell County, Kentucky, there are nine amazing spots that are so important, they've been added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a special list kept by the United States government to protect buildings, sites, and objects that are significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture.
These places help us learn about how people lived, worked, and built things many years ago. They are like windows into the past! Let's explore some of these cool historic sites in Bell County.
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Historic Places in Bell County
Important Buildings in Middlesboro
Middlesboro is a city in Bell County with several buildings on the National Register. These places show us what life was like in the past.
American Association, Limited, Office Building
The American Association, Limited, Office Building is located at 2215 Cumberland Avenue in Middlesboro, Kentucky. This building was added to the National Register on December 29, 1978. It's a historic office building that played a role in the business and development of Middlesboro many years ago.
Brooks House
The Brooks House is another historic home in Middlesboro, found at 210 Arthur Heights. It was recognized on December 23, 2009. This house gives us a peek into the kind of homes people lived in during different times in the city's history.
Middlesboro Downtown Commercial District
The heart of Middlesboro, known as the Middlesboro Downtown Commercial District, is also on the list! This area includes streets like Cumberland Avenue, 19th, 20th Streets, and Edgewood Road. It was added on January 10, 1983. This district is important because it shows how businesses and city life developed in Middlesboro over time. Many of the buildings here have unique old designs.
Mount Moriah Baptist Church
The Mount Moriah Baptist Church stands at 314 North Main Street in Middlesboro. It became a historic place on August 8, 1985. Churches like this one are often important community centers and show us the history of local groups and their faith.
St. Mary's Episcopal Church
Another beautiful church, St. Mary's Episcopal Church, is located at 131 Edgewood Road in Middlesboro. It was added to the National Register on November 15, 1984. These historic churches are not just places of worship but also examples of older architecture and community gathering spots.
Cumberland Gap: A Famous Pass
One of the most famous and important historic areas in Bell County is the Cumberland Gap. This natural pass through the Appalachian Mountains has been used for thousands of years!
Cumberland Gap Historic District
The Cumberland Gap Historic District is a large area east of Middlesboro. It was listed on May 28, 1980. This district is super important because it includes the actual Cumberland Gap, which was a major route for Native Americans and later for pioneers moving west into Kentucky. It even stretches into parts of Tennessee and Virginia!
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
To protect this amazing area, the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park was created. It's located east of Middlesboro along the Kentucky-Virginia state line and was added to the National Register on October 15, 1966. This park not only preserves the historic gap but also beautiful natural landscapes. It's a great place to learn about history and enjoy nature. Like the historic district, it also extends into Tennessee and Virginia.
Hensley Settlement
Inside the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, you can find the Hensley Settlement, near Cubage, Kentucky. This settlement was added to the National Register on January 8, 1980. It's a preserved mountain community that shows how people lived and farmed in this remote area during the early 20th century. You can see old cabins, barns, and learn about their daily lives.
Pineville's Historic Square
The county seat of Bell County, Pineville, Kentucky, also has a special historic area.
Pineville Courthouse Square Historic District
The Pineville Courthouse Square Historic District includes the area around the courthouse, along Kentucky, Pine, Virginia, and Walnut Streets. It was listed on July 19, 1990. This district includes the historic Bell County Courthouse and several old commercial buildings. It shows the history of government and business in Pineville.
Images for kids
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The American Association, Limited, Office Building in Middlesboro.
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The historic Brooks House in Middlesboro.
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A view of the famous Cumberland Gap.
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Pinnacle Rock in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.
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The Brush Mountain School House at Hensley Settlement.
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The People's Bank Building in the Middlesboro Downtown Commercial District.
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Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Middlesboro.
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The Bell County Courthouse in Pineville.
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St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Middlesboro.
