National Register of Historic Places listings in Bell County, Texas facts for kids
Bell County, Texas, is home to many amazing places that tell stories about the past! These special spots are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a national list of important buildings, areas, and sites that are worth protecting because of their history, architecture, or what happened there.
When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized as a significant part of American history. It helps people learn about the past and encourages communities to take care of these treasures for future generations. You can even see many of these places on a map if you look up their coordinates!
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Historic Places in Belton
Belton is the county seat of Bell County and has many historic buildings. These places show us what life was like long ago.
Important Buildings in Belton
- Bell County Courthouse: This grand building on Public Square was listed in 1976. It's where important county decisions have been made for many years.
- Carnegie Public Library: Built with help from famous businessman Andrew Carnegie, this library at 201 N. Main Street has been a place for learning since 1985.
- Old St. Luke's Episcopal Church: Located at 438 N. Wall Street, this church was listed in 1974. It's a beautiful example of older church architecture.
Historic Homes in Belton
Many old homes in Belton are also on the National Register. They show different styles of architecture from the past.
- F. K. and Mary Austin House: Found at 702 N. Penelope Street, this house was added to the list in 1990.
- Ele Baggett House and Silas and Ellen Baggett House: These two homes, at 1019 N. Main Street and 1018 N. Main Street respectively, were both listed in 1990. They stand close to each other, showing how families lived in the past.
- James E. and Miriam Ferguson House: This house at 604 N. Penelope Street was listed in 1990. James E. Ferguson was a former Governor of Texas, making this home extra special!
- Morey House: At 328 N. Main Street, this house was listed in 1990. It's another example of the beautiful homes built in Belton.
Belton's Historic Districts
A historic district is an area with many buildings that are important together.
- Baylor Female College Historic District: This area, bounded by King, College, and W. Ninth Streets, includes six historic buildings. It was listed in 1990 and tells the story of early education for women in Texas.
- Belton Commercial Historic District: This district includes 46 buildings roughly bounded by Nolan Valley Road, Penelope Street, and Nolan Creek. It shows what the main business area of Belton looked like in earlier times.
Historic Places in Salado
Salado is a charming village with a rich history, especially known for its historic inns and homes.
Salado's Early Buildings
- Anderson House and Store: Located on Main Street, this building was listed in 1983. It shows how people lived and shopped in the past.
- George Washington Baines House: On Royal Street, this house was listed in 1983. George Washington Baines was a famous Baptist minister and the grandfather of President Lyndon B. Johnson!
- Stagecoach Inn: Found at Main and Front Streets, this inn was listed in 1983. It was a very important stop for travelers in the days of stagecoaches.
- Salado College Archeological Site: This site on Main Street and College Hill was listed in 1985. It's where the old Salado College once stood, and archaeologists can learn a lot about the past from what they find there.
Other Notable Salado Sites
- Col. Elijah Sterling Clack Robertson Plantation: Located near I-35, this plantation was listed in 1983. It represents a significant part of the region's agricultural history.
- Maj. A. J. Rose House: At Wm. Rose Way and Royal Street, this house was listed in 1978. It belonged to a notable figure in Salado's history.
- Salado United Methodist Church: This church, built in 1890, was listed in 1984. It was even moved from its original spot in 2005 to protect it!
Historic Places in Temple
Temple is another city in Bell County with its own unique historic places.
Key Sites in Temple
- Barclay-Bryan House: Located at 804 S. 25th Street, this house was listed in 1984.
- Ferguson House: At 518 N. 7th Street, this house was listed in 1978.
- Kyle Hotel: Found at 111 Main Street, this hotel was listed in 1993. Hotels like this were once bustling centers of activity in cities.
Temple's Commercial History
- Temple Commercial Historic District: This large district, roughly bounded by French Avenue, 3rd Street, Avenue D, and 6th Street, includes 111 buildings. It was listed in 2005 and shows the historic downtown area of Temple.
Historic Places in Bartlett
Bartlett also has a special area recognized for its history.
- Bartlett Commercial Historic District: This district on E. Clark Street was listed in 1980. It highlights the historic business center of Bartlett.
Former Listings
Sometimes, a historic place might be removed from the National Register. This can happen if the building is changed too much or is no longer there.
- Dr. R. S. Farr House: This house at 801 E Central Avenue in Belton was listed in 1990 but was removed from the list in 1994.