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

Location of Cass County in Iowa

Have you ever wondered about the old buildings and special places in your town? Some of these places are so important that they are listed on something called the National Register of Historic Places! This list helps protect and celebrate buildings, sites, and objects that are important to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture.

In Cass County, Iowa, there are 11 amazing places that have earned a spot on this special list. One of them is even a National Historic Landmark, which means it's extra important to the history of the whole country! Let's explore some of these cool historic spots.

What is the National Register of Historic Places?

The National Register of Historic Places is like a special hall of fame for buildings and sites in the United States. It's managed by the National Park Service. When a place is added to the Register, it means it has a unique story or design that tells us something important about the past.

Being on the Register helps to:

• Recognize and celebrate places that matter.
• Encourage people to protect and preserve these historic sites.
• Sometimes, it can even help owners get grants or tax benefits to fix up and maintain their historic properties.

It's a way to make sure that future generations can also learn from and enjoy these pieces of history.

Amazing Historic Buildings in Cass County

Cass County is home to many interesting buildings that tell tales of the past. Here are some of the places listed on the National Register of Historic Places:

American Legion Memorial Building

This building is located at 201 Poplar Street in Atlantic, Iowa. It was added to the National Register in 2006. The American Legion is an organization for military veterans, and memorial buildings like this often serve as important community centers and places to honor those who served.

Atlantic High School

The old Atlantic High School building, found at 1100 Linn Street in Atlantic, Iowa, became a historic place in 2002. It's a reminder of how schools looked and functioned many years ago. Imagine all the students who walked through its halls and learned there!

Cass County Court House

The Cass County Court House, at 5 West 7th Street in Atlantic, Iowa, was listed in 2003. A courthouse is a very important building where local government decisions are made and legal matters are handled. It's often a central part of a county's history.

Charles F. and Ruth Chase House

This historic home, located at 110 West 9th Street in Atlantic, Iowa, was added to the Register in 1999. Historic houses give us a peek into how people lived in the past, showing us different styles of architecture and how families made their homes.

Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Depot

You can find this old train station at the junction of 1st and Chestnut Streets in Atlantic, Iowa. It was listed in 1994. Train depots were once bustling places, connecting towns and people across the country. This one tells the story of how important railroads were for travel and trade.

Griswold National Bank

The Griswold National Bank building is located at Main and Cass Streets in Griswold, Iowa. It joined the National Register in 1979. Banks are key parts of a community's economic history, and this building shows the architectural style of a bank from a different era.

Reverend George B. Hitchcock House

This special house, at 63788 567th Lane in Lewis, Iowa, is not just on the National Register, but it's also a National Historic Landmark! It was recognized in 1977. This means it's one of the most important historic places in the entire country. The Reverend George B. Hitchcock House was a stop on the Underground Railroad, a secret network that helped enslaved people find freedom.

Hotel Whitney

The Hotel Whitney, located at 222 Chestnut Street in Atlantic, Iowa, was added to the Register in 2016. Hotels like this were once grand places where travelers would stay. They often have unique designs and stories from the people who visited them.

S.F. Martin House

Another historic home in Atlantic, Iowa, the S.F. Martin House is at 419 Poplar Street. It was listed in 1984. Like the Chase House, it offers a glimpse into the past lives and architectural tastes of the people who lived there.

Job A. and Rebecca E. McWaid House

This house, found at 702 East 4th Street in Atlantic, Iowa, joined the National Register in 1994. It's another example of a historic residence that has been preserved for its importance.

Nishnabotna Ferry House

Located on West Minnesota Street in Lewis, Iowa, the Nishnabotna Ferry House was listed in 2001. Ferry houses were important for people crossing rivers before bridges were common. This building reminds us of older ways of travel and trade.

These historic places in Cass County are like open books, each telling a part of Iowa's rich history. Visiting them can be a fun way to connect with the past and understand how our communities grew and changed over time.

Images for kids

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  American Legion Memorial Building

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  Atlantic High School

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  Cass County Court House

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  Charles F. and Ruth Chase House

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  Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Depot

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  Griswold National Bank

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  Reverend George B. Hitchcock House

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  Hotel Whitney

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  S.F. Martin House

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  Job A. and Rebecca E. McWaid House

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  Nishnabotna Ferry House