National Register of Historic Places listings in Bennington County, Vermont facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about the oldest and most special buildings and places in Vermont? In Bennington County, there's a list of amazing historic spots! These places are so important that they are officially recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.
The National Register of Historic Places is like a special club for buildings, areas, and objects that are important to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. When a place is on this list, it means it's worth protecting and celebrating for future generations. Bennington County has 53 such places! Let's explore some of them and learn why they are so unique.
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Historic Bridges and Buildings in Bennington County
Bennington County is home to many fascinating historic sites, from old bridges to grand houses and important public buildings. Each one tells a story about the past.
Covered Bridges: A Step Back in Time
Bennington County has several beautiful covered bridges, which are like tunnels made of wood that protect the bridge structure from weather.
Arlington Green Covered Bridge
The Arlington Green Covered Bridge is a charming old bridge located west of Arlington. It was built a long time ago and added to the National Register in 1973. Imagine how many people and wagons have crossed this bridge over the years!
Bennington Falls Covered Bridge
Also known as the Paper Mill Bridge, the Bennington Falls Covered Bridge is found northwest of Bennington. It's another wonderful example of old-time engineering and was listed in 1973.
Henry Covered Bridge
The Henry Covered Bridge, also near Bennington, is another historic wooden bridge. These bridges are not just ways to cross water; they are pieces of art and history. It was added to the list in 1973.
Silk Covered Bridge
The Silk Covered Bridge is yet another beautiful covered bridge northwest of Bennington. It joined the National Register in 1973. These bridges remind us of how people traveled and built things in the past.
Important Buildings and Homes
Many buildings in Bennington County have stories to tell, from schools to firehouses and grand estates.
Bennington Battle Monument
The Bennington Battle Monument is a tall, impressive structure in Bennington. It honors a very important battle during the American Revolutionary War. It was listed in 1971.
Old Bennington High School
The old Bennington High School building, located at 650 Main Street, was built in 1913. Imagine all the students who learned and grew up within its walls! It became a historic site in 2005.
Bennington Post Office and Railroad Station
The former Bennington Post Office (now the police department) and the Bennington Railroad Station are also on the list. The post office was listed in 1976, and the train station in 1988. These buildings show how people communicated and traveled long ago.
W. H. Bradford Hook and Ladder Fire House
This unique firehouse at 212 Safford Street in Bennington was built for a hook and ladder fire truck. It was added to the National Register in 1999, showing the history of firefighting in the area.
First Congregational Church of Bennington
This beautiful church on Monument Avenue in Bennington is a significant landmark. It was listed in 1973 and has been a place of worship and community gathering for many years.
Robert Frost Farm
The Robert Frost Farm in South Shaftsbury was the home of famous American poet Robert Frost from 1929 to 1938. It's a special place for literature lovers and was recognized in 1968.
Gov. Jonas Galusha Homestead
The Gov. Jonas Galusha Homestead in Center Shaftsbury was the home of Governor Jonas Galusha. This historic house, listed in 1979, gives us a peek into the lives of important figures from Vermont's past.
Hildene: The Lincoln Family Home
Hildene is a grand estate in Manchester that was once the summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln, the son of President Abraham Lincoln. It's a beautiful place with rich history, listed in 1977.
Holden-Leonard Mill Complex
The Holden-Leonard Mill Complex in Bennington, listed in 1988, is an example of the area's industrial past. Mills like this were important for making goods and providing jobs.
North Bennington Depot
The North Bennington Depot is an old train station in North Bennington. It was a busy place where people traveled and goods were shipped. It joined the National Register in 1973.
Park-McCullough House
The Park-McCullough House in North Bennington is a beautiful historic home. It was listed in 1972 and offers a glimpse into the lives of prominent families from the past.
Ritchie Block
The Ritchie Block at 465-473 Main Street in Bennington is a historic commercial building. It was listed in 1986 and shows what downtown areas looked like long ago.
School Street Duplexes
These duplexes (two-family homes) on School Street in Bennington, listed in 2007, represent the housing styles and community life of earlier times.
Frederick Squire House
The Frederick Squire House at 185 North Street in Bennington is another historic home, listed in 1992. It's a great example of the architecture from its time.
Wait Block
The Wait Block in Manchester Center, listed in 1996, is another important commercial building that shows the history of business in the area.
Cora B. Whitney School
The Cora B. Whitney School at 814 Gage Street in Bennington was listed in 2001. It's a reminder of the history of education in the community.
Wilson House
The Wilson House in East Dorset is a very special place. It was the birthplace of Bill Wilson, one of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous. It was listed in 1995.
Historic Districts: Whole Neighborhoods of History
Sometimes, not just one building, but a whole area or neighborhood is considered historic. These are called "historic districts."
Arlington Village Historic District
The Arlington Village Historic District includes several streets in Arlington, like Main Street and School Street. This area has many old buildings that together tell the story of the village. It was listed in 1989.
Downtown Bennington Historic District
The Downtown Bennington Historic District covers a large part of downtown Bennington, including Main and North Streets. This area shows how the town grew and developed over time. It was listed in 1980.
East Arlington Village Historic District
Similar to Arlington Village, the East Arlington Village Historic District in East Arlington also has many historic buildings and roads that preserve the look and feel of the past. It was listed in 1996.
Equinox House Historic District
The Equinox House Historic District in Manchester includes the famous Equinox Hotel and surrounding areas. This district was listed in 1972 and expanded in 1980. It's a beautiful example of a historic resort area.
Manchester Village Historic District
The Manchester Village Historic District includes key streets like U.S. Route 7A and Union Street. This district, listed in 1984, shows the historic character of Manchester Village.
North Bennington Historic District
The North Bennington Historic District covers a significant part of North Bennington, including Vermont Route 67 and 67A. It was listed in 1980.
Old Bennington Historic District
The Old Bennington Historic District is a very important area in Bennington, including Monument Avenue and West Road. This district, listed in 1984, contains some of the oldest and most significant buildings in the town.
The Orchards
The Orchards in Bennington, listed in 2000, is now the campus of Southern Vermont College. It's a historic estate with beautiful grounds.
Other Notable Historic Places
Bennington County has many other interesting places on the National Register, each with its own story.
- Bennington Fish Hatchery: A historic fish hatchery in Bennington, listed in 1994.
- Carrigan Lane Historic District: A historic neighborhood in Bennington, listed in 1998.
- Center Shaftsbury Historic District: A historic area along VT 7A in Shaftsbury, listed in 1988.
- Dorset Village Historic District: A historic village area in Dorset, listed in 1985.
- Furnace Grove Historic District: A historic area in Bennington, listed in 1997.
- Zera Hard House: A historic house on River Road in Manchester, listed in 1988.
- William Henry House: A historic house on River Road in Bennington, listed in 1988.
- Holden-Leonard Workers Housing Historic District: Housing built for workers of the Holden-Leonard Mill in Bennington, listed in 2011.
- Jenks Tavern: A historic tavern in Rupert, listed in 1994.
- Johnny Seesaw's Historic District: A historic area in Peru, listed in 2008.
- Kent Neighborhood Historic District: A historic neighborhood in Dorset, listed in 1978.
- Amos Lawrence House: A historic house in Manchester, listed in 1985.
- Manley-Lefevre House: A historic house in Dorset, listed in 1990.
- David Mathews House: A historic house in Shaftsbury that extends into New York, listed in 1979.
- Munro-Hawkins House: A historic house in Shaftsbury Center, listed in 1973.
- Pratt-McDaniels-LaFlamme House: A historic house in Bennington, listed in 2002.
- Tudor House: A historic house in Stamford, listed in 1979.
- H.C. White Company Mill Complex: A historic mill complex in North Bennington, listed in 2017.
- Yester House: A historic house in Manchester, now the Southern Vermont Arts Center, listed in 1988.
These places are all part of the rich history of Bennington County and Vermont. Visiting them can be like stepping back in time and learning about the people and events that shaped the area.
Images for kids
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A building in the Arlington Village Historic District.
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Center Shaftsbury, Vermont.
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Dorset Village, Vermont.
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The William Henry House.
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The Munro-Hawkins House.
