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National Register of Historic Places listings in Calhoun County, Iowa facts for kids

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Map of Iowa highlighting Calhoun County
Location of Calhoun County in Iowa

Have you ever wondered about really old and important buildings or places in your town? In Calhoun County, Iowa, there are many special spots that are part of the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places in the United States that are considered important to history. They are saved so people can learn about them for many years to come!

This list shows all the cool buildings and areas in Calhoun County, Iowa, that are on this special register. There are 12 different places that have been chosen because they are unique and tell a story about the past.

Historic Places in Calhoun County

Many interesting buildings and structures in Calhoun County have been recognized for their historical value. Let's explore some of them!

Important Public Buildings

Some of the most important buildings in the county are on this list. These are places where people gathered, learned, or managed local affairs.

Calhoun County Courthouse

The Calhoun County Courthouse is a very important building located in Rockwell City, Iowa. It was added to the National Register on July 2, 1981. This is where many important decisions for the county are made. It's a grand building that has seen a lot of history!

Calhoun County IA Courthouse
The Calhoun County Courthouse in Rockwell City.

Central School in Lake City

The Central School in Lake City, Iowa, was added to the list on January 3, 1985. Imagine going to school in a building that's considered historic! This old school building has been a place of learning for many generations of students.

LakeCityIA CentralSchool
The historic Central School building in Lake City.

Lake City Community Memorial Building

The Lake City Community Memorial Building in Lake City was recognized on August 27, 1990. This building likely served as a place for community events and gatherings, bringing people together for many years.

LakeCityIA CommunityMemorialBuilding
The Lake City Community Memorial Building.

Lake City Public Library

The Lake City Public Library is another special place in Lake City, added on August 27, 1990. This building was once a Carnegie library, which means it was built with money from a famous businessman named Andrew Carnegie. Libraries are super important for learning and reading!

LakeCityIA FormerCarnegieLibrary
The former Carnegie Library building in Lake City.

Historic Homes and Farmhouses

Many old homes tell stories of the families who lived there and how life used to be.

Perry C. and Mattie Forrest Holdoegel House

The Perry C. and Mattie Forrest Holdoegel House in Rockwell City was added to the list on May 6, 1992. This house gives us a peek into the past lives of the Holdoegel family and how homes were built long ago.

Perry C. and Mattie Forrest Holdoegel House, Rockwell City, IA
The Perry C. and Mattie Forrest Holdoegel House.

Smith Farmhouse in Lake City

The Smith Farmhouse in Lake City became historic on August 27, 1990. Farmhouses are important because they show us how farming families lived and worked the land in earlier times.

LakeCityIA SmithFarmhouse
The historic Smith Farmhouse.

Gen. Cass and Belle Smith House

Another home in Lake City, the Gen. Cass and Belle Smith House, was added on August 27, 1990. This house belonged to General Cass and Belle Smith, and it's a great example of homes from their time.

LakeCityIA GenCassAndBelleSmithHouse
The Gen. Cass and Belle Smith House.

Peter and Mary Smith House

Also in Lake City, the Peter and Mary Smith House was listed on August 27, 1990. This house, like the others, helps us understand the history of families and architecture in the area.

LakeCityIA PeterAndMarySmithHouse
The Peter and Mary Smith House.

Transportation and Infrastructure

These listings show how people traveled and how towns got important services.

Chicago and North Western Office Building/Passenger Depot

The Chicago and North Western Office Building/Passenger Depot-Lake City in Lake City was added on August 27, 1990. This building was once a busy train station where people bought tickets and waited for trains. It reminds us of a time when trains were a main way to travel!

LakeCityIA FormerCNWDepot
The old Chicago and North Western train depot.

Lake City Water Standpipe

The Lake City Water Standpipe in Lake City, listed on August 27, 1990, is a tall structure used to hold water. It was a very important part of the town's water system, making sure people had clean water.

LakeCityIA WaterStandpipe
The Lake City Water Standpipe.

Marsh Rainbow Arch Bridge

The Marsh Rainbow Arch Bridge near Lake City was added on March 30, 1989. This bridge crosses the North Raccoon River and has a unique "rainbow arch" design. It's a cool example of old bridge building!

Lake City Rainbow Bridge
The Marsh Rainbow Arch Bridge.

Rockwell City Bridge

The Rockwell City Bridge in Rockwell City was listed on June 25, 1998. Bridges are super important for connecting places and allowing people and vehicles to cross over water or other obstacles.

Former Listings

Sometimes, a place that was once on the National Register of Historic Places might be removed. This can happen if the building is changed too much, or if it's no longer there. Here are two places that were once listed but are no longer on the register:

  • Dr. Charles Knapp Round Barn: This unique round barn near Jolley, Iowa, was listed in 1986 but removed in 2005. Round barns are pretty rare!
  • Welsh Bridge: This bridge near Somers, Iowa, was listed in 1998 but removed in 2003 because it was replaced.
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National Register of Historic Places listings in Calhoun County, Iowa Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.