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National Register of Historic Places listings in Broome County, New York facts for kids

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Map of New York highlighting Broome County
Location of Broome County in New York

Broome County, New York, is home to many special places that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is an official list kept by the United States government. It includes buildings, sites, and objects that are important to the history of a community, state, or even the whole country.

When a place is added to this list, it means it's recognized for its historical or architectural value. It also helps protect these places for future generations to enjoy and learn from. In Broome County, you'll find everything from old homes and churches to unique bridges and even carousels on this list!

What is the National Register of Historic Places?

The National Register of Historic Places is like a special hall of fame for important historical sites in the United States. It helps people remember and protect places that tell us about the past. These places might be where important events happened, where famous people lived, or buildings that show amazing design from long ago.

Why are places listed?

Places are listed for many reasons. They might be:

  • Very old and still standing.
  • Designed in a special way or by a famous architect.
  • Connected to important events or people in history.
  • Good examples of a certain type of building or style.

Being on the list encourages people to take care of these historic spots.

Historic Treasures of Broome County

Broome County has many fascinating places on the National Register. Let's explore some of them!

Binghamton's Important Buildings

The city of Binghamton has many historic buildings that show its past.

Binghamton City Hall

The Binghamton City Hall (listed in 1971) is a grand building where the city's government works. It's located on Collier Street and has been an important part of Binghamton for many years.

Broome County Courthouse

The Broome County Courthouse (listed in 1973) is another key building in Binghamton. It's where important legal decisions for the county are made. Its architecture shows the style of buildings from when it was built.

Phelps Mansion

The Phelps Mansion (listed in 1973) is a beautiful old home at 191 Court Street. It was once the house of a wealthy family and now serves as a museum, letting visitors step back in time.

Roberson Mansion

Another impressive home is the Roberson Mansion (listed in 1980) on Front Street. This mansion is now part of the Roberson Museum and Science Center, offering exhibits and programs for everyone.

Harlow E. Bundy House

The Harlow E. Bundy House (listed in 2011) at 129 Main Street is special because it belonged to Harlow E. Bundy. He was a key figure in the early days of a company that later became IBM, a huge technology company. Today, it's the Bundy Museum of History and Art.

Lithuanian National Association Hall

The Lithuanian National Association Hall (listed in 2015) at 315 Clinton Street was built in 1917. For over 50 years, it was a very important place for the Lithuanian immigrant community in Binghamton. It served as a social center where people could gather and celebrate their heritage.

Unique Carousels of Broome County

Broome County is famous for its historic carousels! Many of these beautiful rides are listed on the National Register as part of the "Broome County Carousels" group. They were often gifts to the community from George F. Johnson, a local shoe factory owner, who believed in providing free fun for everyone.

  • Highland Park Carousel (Endwell, listed 1992)
  • C. Fred Johnson Park Carousel (Johnson City, listed 1992)
  • George F. Johnson Recreation Park Carousel (Binghamton, listed 1992)
  • George W. Johnson Park Carousel (Endicott, listed 1992)
  • Ross Park Carousel (Binghamton, listed 1992)
  • West Endicott Park Carousel (Endicott, listed 1992)

These carousels are still enjoyed by families today, offering a fun ride and a link to the past.

Historic Arches and Factories

The towns of Endicott and Johnson City have unique "Square Deal Arches." These arches were built to celebrate the idea of a "Square Deal" for workers, meaning fair treatment and good conditions, promoted by the Endicott-Johnson Shoe Company.

  • Endicott Square Deal Arch (Endicott, listed 2001)
  • Johnson City Square Deal Arch (Johnson City, listed 2001)

Ansco Company and General Cigar Company Buildings

Some old factory buildings are also listed, like the Ansco Company Charles Street Factory Buildings (listed 2012) and the General Cigar Company–Ansco Camera Factory Building (listed 2012) in Binghamton. These buildings show the area's history in manufacturing, including cameras and cigars.

Endicott-Johnson Medical Clinic

The Endicott-Johnson Medical Clinic (listed 2015) at 305 Clinton Street in Binghamton was built in 1928. It was created to provide healthcare for the employees of the Endicott-Johnson shoe company, showing how important worker well-being was to the company.

Other Notable Sites

Chenango Canal Prism and Lock 107

The Chenango Canal Prism and Lock 107 (listed 2010) near Chenango Forks is a part of an old canal system. Canals were like water highways used to transport goods long ago, and this lock helped boats move between different water levels.

Ouaquaga Lenticular Truss Bridge

The Ouaquaga Lenticular Truss Bridge (listed 2003) is a special type of bridge over the Susquehanna River near Ouaquaga. It has a unique lens-shaped design, making it an interesting piece of engineering history.

Cyrus Gates Farmstead

The Cyrus Gates Farmstead (listed 1999) in Maine was the farm of Cyrus Gates. He was a mapmaker and an abolitionist, meaning he worked to end slavery. His farm tells a story of both local agriculture and important social movements.

New York State Inebriate Asylum

The New York State Inebriate Asylum (listed 1996) at 425 Robinson Street in Binghamton is a National Historic Landmark. It was one of the first places in the country built to help people needing support with certain challenges. It shows how ideas about health and care have changed over time.

Former Listings

Sometimes, a property might be removed from the National Register. This can happen if it is destroyed or if its historical importance changes.

State Theater (Deposit, New York)

The State Theater in Deposit was listed in 1988 but was removed from the list in 1995.

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