National Register of Historic Places listings in Benton County, Washington facts for kids
The National Register of Historic Places is like a special list of important places in the United States. These places could be buildings, neighborhoods, or even old archaeological sites. They are added to the list because they have a special history or are important to our country's culture. When a place is on this list, it helps protect it and makes sure people remember its story for a long time. This article tells you about some of these amazing historic places right here in Benton County, Washington.
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Historic Places in Benton County
Benton County has many interesting places on the National Register of Historic Places. These sites help us learn about the past, from early settlements to important scientific discoveries.
Benton County Courthouse
The Benton County Courthouse is a grand building located in Prosser. It's where many important decisions for the county are made. This courthouse was built a long time ago and has been a central part of the community's history. It was added to the National Register in 1976.
J. W. Carey House
The J. W. Carey House is a historic home found near Prosser. It's a great example of the kind of houses people lived in many years ago. Learning about old homes like this helps us understand how daily life used to be. This house was added to the list in 1989.
Gold Coast Historic District
The Gold Coast Historic District is a special neighborhood in Richland. It's not just one building, but a whole area that has kept its historic look and feel. Walking through a historic district is like taking a step back in time! This district became part of the National Register in 2005.
Hanford B Reactor: A Landmark of Science History
One of the most famous and important places in Benton County is the Hanford B Reactor. Located near Richland, this reactor was a key part of the Manhattan Project during World War II. The Manhattan Project was a secret research and development project that produced the first nuclear weapons. The B Reactor was the first large-scale nuclear reactor in the world and played a huge role in making the materials needed for the atomic bomb. It was a major scientific achievement, even though its purpose was for war. Today, it stands as a reminder of a very important time in history and the incredible scientific efforts made during the war. It was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1992.
U.S. Post Office – Prosser Main
The U.S. Post Office – Prosser Main is another historic building in Prosser. Post offices have always been important places for communities, connecting people through letters and packages. This building shows the architecture and style of its time. It was added to the National Register in 1991.
Ancient Archaeological Sites
Benton County is also home to several important archaeological sites. These are places where scientists study the remains of past human life and activities. They might find old tools, pottery, or evidence of ancient homes. These sites help us understand how people lived thousands of years ago. Many of these sites, like the Hanford Island Archeological Site, Hanford North Archeological District, and Tri-Cities Archaeological District, have restricted addresses to protect them. They are very important for learning about the early history of the region.
Images for kids
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A view of the Hanford Reach National Monument, near some archaeological sites.
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A landscape view of the Hanford North Archeological District.
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Washington state
- Listings in neighboring counties: Franklin, Grant, Klickitat, Morrow, Umatilla, Walla Walla, Yakima
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Washington (state)
- Historic preservation
- History of Washington (state)
- Index of Washington-related articles
External links
- Washington Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, Historic Register program
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places site
