National Register of Historic Places listings in Buffalo County, Nebraska facts for kids

Location of Buffalo County in Nebraska

Have you ever wondered about old buildings or special places in your town? Some places are so important that they are added to a special list called the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect and celebrate buildings, sites, and objects that are important to the history of the United States. In Buffalo County, Nebraska, there are many such places!

This article will tell you about some of these amazing historic spots in Buffalo County, Nebraska. These places help us understand what life was like long ago and how our communities grew. There are 21 properties and districts in Buffalo County that are on this important list.

Exploring Buffalo County's Historic Places

Buffalo County is home to many buildings and sites that tell stories from the past. Let's explore some of them!

Historic Homes in Kearney

Many beautiful old houses in Kearney, Nebraska are on the National Register. These homes often show us how people lived and what building styles were popular many years ago.

The John Barnd House

The John Barnd House is a beautiful old home located at 320 East 31st Street in Kearney. It was built around 1892 for a well-known lawyer named John Barnd. This house is a great example of the Victorian Queen Anne style, which was very popular back then. It even has an old carriage barn that is now used as a garage!

The George W. Frank House

Another impressive home is the George W. Frank House, found on the campus of the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Built in 1889 by George W. Frank, this mansion is made from special red sandstone from Wyoming. It's built in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, which means it has strong, heavy stone walls and round arches, making it look a bit like a castle!

The Hanson-Downing House

The Hanson-Downing House at 723 West 22nd Street in Kearney is another historic home. It was added to the list in 1980.

The Klehm House

The Klehm House is located at 2215 9th Avenue in Kearney. This house was recognized for its historical importance in 1999.

The Dr. A.O. Thomas House

You can find the Dr. A.O. Thomas House at 2222 9th Avenue in Kearney. This home was added to the National Register in 1980.

Important Buildings and Public Spaces

Besides homes, other buildings and even parks can be historic. These places often served important roles in the community.

The Fort Theater

The Fort Theater at 2205 Central Avenue in Kearney is a historic movie theater. It was built in a time when going to the movies was a very special event. This theater was added to the list in 2006.

Kearney Junior High School

The old Kearney Junior High School building, located at 300 West 24th Street, is also on the list. It was recognized in 2000. This building has seen many students pass through its doors over the years!

Kearney National Guard Armory

The Kearney National Guard Armory at 1600 Central Avenue was added to the list in 2009. Armories are places where military reserves train and store equipment. This building is important for understanding the history of defense and community support in Kearney.

Masonic Temple and World Theater Building

The Masonic Temple and World Theater Building at 2318 Central Avenue in Kearney is a unique building. It combines a meeting place for the Masons (a fraternal organization) with a theater. It was listed in 2009.

Meisner Bank Building

In Shelton, Nebraska, the Meisner Bank Building at 128 C Street is a historic site. This building tells us about the financial history of the area and how towns developed. It was added to the list in 1999.

Saint Luke's Protestant Episcopal Church

The Saint Luke's Protestant Episcopal Church at 2304 2nd Avenue in Kearney is a beautiful historic church. Churches are often central to a community's history and culture. This church was listed in 1986.

Museum of Nebraska Art (U.S. Post Office)

The building that now houses the Museum of Nebraska Art at 2401 Central Avenue in Kearney was originally a U.S. Post Office. It was added to the National Register in 1981. This shows how buildings can change their purpose over time while still keeping their historical value.

Harmon Park

Even parks can be historic! Harmon Park in Kearney, roughly located between 29th and 33rd Streets and 5th and 7th Avenues, was added to the list in 2010. Parks are important for recreation and community gatherings, and this one has a long history.

Historic Bridges and Sites=

Some historic places are not buildings at all, but bridges or even ancient sites!

Kilgore Bridge

The Kilgore Bridge is a historic bridge that crosses the North Channel of the Platte River, about 7.1 miles southeast of Kearney on Nebraska Highway 10. Bridges are important for connecting communities and helping people travel. This bridge was listed in 1992.

Sweetwater Archeological Site

The Sweetwater Archeological Site near Sweetwater, Nebraska is a very important historical location. Archeological sites are places where scientists study human history by digging up artifacts. This site was added to the National Register in 1974, meaning it holds clues about people who lived in the area long, long ago.

Sweetwater Mill Bridge

Also near Sweetwater, the Sweetwater Mill Bridge crosses Mud Creek. This bridge was listed in 1992, showing its importance to the local transportation history.

Images for kids

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  The John J. and Lenora Bartlett House in Kearney.

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  The Gibbon Baptist Church in Gibbon.

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  The Kearney Junior High School building.

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  The Lowe and Fair Commercial Block in Kearney.

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  The Meisner Bank Building in Shelton.

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  The George Meisner House in Shelton.