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

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

Did you know that many old buildings and places in the United States are protected because they are important to history? These special spots are listed on something called the National Register of Historic Places. It's like a national list of treasures! Cayuga County, New York has many of these amazing places. They help us learn about the past and understand how people lived long ago. Let's explore some of these cool historic sites right here in Cayuga County!

Discovering History in Cayuga County

Cayuga County is full of interesting places that tell stories from the past. These sites are important because they show us how our country grew and changed. From old homes to busy mills and even parts of famous canals, each spot has a unique history.

Famous Homes and Important People

Many historic homes in Cayuga County belonged to people who made a big difference.

The Harriet Tubman House

Harriet Hubman House Dec 2007
Harriet Tubman's home in Auburn

One of the most famous homes is the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged in Auburn. Harriet Tubman was a brave woman who helped many enslaved people find freedom through the Underground Railroad. After the Civil War, she bought this house and later opened it as a home for elderly African Americans. It's a very important place that reminds us of her courage and kindness. Her grave is also nearby at Fort Hill Cemetery.

William H. Seward House

WilliamSewardHouse
The William H. Seward House

Also in Auburn is the William H. Seward House. William H. Seward was a very important politician. He served as a New York Governor and a U.S. Senator. He was also the Secretary of State under Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson. This house shows us how important people lived in the 1800s.

Jethro Wood House

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The Jethro Wood House

In Poplar Ridge, you can find the Jethro Wood House. Jethro Wood was a clever inventor. He invented the cast-iron plow, which made farming much easier. His invention changed how farmers worked and helped agriculture grow in America.

Dr. Sylvester Willard Mansion

Sylvester Willard Mansion May 09
The Dr. Sylvester Willard Mansion

The Dr. Sylvester Willard Mansion in Auburn is another grand home. Dr. Willard was a respected doctor and a leader in the community. His beautiful mansion shows the architectural styles popular in the 1800s.

Henry Allen House

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The Henry Allen House

The Henry Allen House in Moravia is a historic home built in the mid-1800s. It's a great example of the Greek Revival style, which was popular at the time.

House at 18 Aurora Street

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The House at 18 Aurora Street

Also in Moravia, the House at 18 Aurora Street is another example of Greek Revival architecture. It was built around 1850 and has a classic look with a front entrance that looks like a temple.

Historic Buildings and Places

Cayuga County also has many other types of historic buildings, from old mills to important government offices.

Aurora Steam Grist Mill

Aurora Steam Grist Mill May 09
The Aurora Steam Grist Mill

The Aurora Steam Grist Mill in Aurora was once a busy place. Grist mills were used to grind grain into flour. This mill used steam power, which was a new and exciting technology when it was built.

Cayuga County Courthouse and Clerk's Office

Cayuga County Courthouse May 09
The Cayuga County Courthouse

The Cayuga County Courthouse and Clerk's Office in Auburn is where important legal and government work happens. This building has been a center for justice and public records for many years.

Case Memorial-Seymour Library

Case Memorial-Seymour Library May 09
The Case Memorial-Seymour Library

The Case Memorial-Seymour Library in Auburn is a beautiful building that has served as a place for learning and reading for a long time. Libraries are important community hubs where people can explore new ideas.

Centreport Aqueduct

Aqueduct from the towpath
The Centreport Aqueduct

The Centreport Aqueduct near Weedsport is a cool structure that was part of the old Erie Canal. Aqueducts are like bridges that carry water, allowing boats to cross over rivers or valleys. This one helped boats on the canal continue their journey.

First Baptist Church of Weedsport

First Baptist Church of Weedsport May 09
The First Baptist Church of Weedsport

The First Baptist Church of Weedsport is an important religious building in the area. Churches often serve as community centers and have rich histories.

Former US Post Office and Federal Courthouse

Federal Courthouse Auburn NY May 09
The Former US Post Office and Federal Courthouse

This building in Auburn once served as both a post office and a federal courthouse. It's a great example of government buildings from the past.

Mentz Church

Mentz Church 2012-09-15 17-17-00
The Mentz Church

The Mentz Church near Montezuma is another historic church that has been a part of its community for many years.

New Hope Mills Complex

New Hope Mills Complex Nov 10
The New Hope Mills Complex

The New Hope Mills Complex in New Hope is a group of buildings that once operated as a mill. It shows how important mills were for local economies, processing goods like flour.

Owasco Reformed Church

Owasco Reformed Church Jan 11
The Owasco Reformed Church

The Owasco Reformed Church in Owasco is a historic church building that has served its congregation for a long time.

St. Peter's Episcopal Church Complex

St Peters Episcopal Church Complex May 09
St. Peter's Episcopal Church Complex

The St. Peter's Episcopal Church Complex in Auburn is a significant religious site with beautiful architecture.

Schines Auburn Theatre

Schines Auburn Theatre May 09
The Schines Auburn Theatre

The Schines Auburn Theatre in Auburn was once a grand movie theater. These old theaters are special because they remind us of how people enjoyed entertainment in the past.

Thompson AME Zion Church

Harriet Tubman church
The Thompson AME Zion Church

The Thompson AME Zion Church in Auburn is another important church, especially known for its connection to Harriet Tubman. It was a place where she worshipped and was part of the community.

Wall Street Methodist Episcopal Church

Wall Street Methodist Episcopal Church Auburn
The Wall Street Methodist Episcopal Church

The Wall Street Methodist Episcopal Church in Auburn is a historic church building that has been a part of the city's religious life for many years.

Willard Memorial Chapel-Welch Memorial Hall

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The Willard Memorial Chapel

The Willard Memorial Chapel-Welch Memorial Hall in Auburn is a stunning building known for its beautiful stained glass windows and detailed design. It's a true work of art and history.

Exploring Old Districts

Sometimes, a whole group of buildings or an entire area is considered historic. These are called historic districts.

Aurora Village-Wells College Historic District

E B Morgan House
E. B. Morgan House, part of the Aurora Village-Wells College Historic District

The Aurora Village-Wells College Historic District in Aurora includes many historic buildings, including parts of Wells College. It also features Glen Park, which was designed by famous landscape architects. This district shows how a whole community can preserve its history.

Erie Canal Lock 52 Complex

The Erie Canal Lock 52 Complex in Port Byron is a historic district related to the famous Erie Canal. Locks are like water elevators that help boats move up and down different water levels. This complex shows how important the canal was for transportation and trade.

Sherwood Equal Rights Historic District

Howland Commercial Block
Howland Commercial Block, part of the Sherwood Equal Rights Historic District

The Sherwood Equal Rights Historic District in Sherwood is special because it's connected to the fight for equal rights. This area was home to people who were active in movements like the Underground Railroad and women's rights. It reminds us of the important struggles for freedom and equality in American history.

North Main Street Historic District

The North Main Street Historic District in Moravia is another area with many historic buildings. Walking through it is like taking a step back in time.

South Street Area Historic District

Auburn City Hall Auburn
Auburn City Hall, part of the South Street Area Historic District

The South Street Area Historic District in Auburn includes many historic homes and buildings along South Street. It's a beautiful area that shows the architectural styles of different time periods.

Seneca River Crossing Canals Historic District

The Seneca River Crossing Canals Historic District near Montezuma and Tyre highlights where different canals crossed the Seneca River. This area is important for understanding the history of water transportation in New York.

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National Register of Historic Places listings in Cayuga County, New York Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.