National Register of Historic Places listings in Chittenden County, Vermont facts for kids
Chittenden County, Vermont, is home to many special places that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This register is like a special list of buildings, sites, and objects across the United States that are important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized for its historical value and efforts are made to preserve it.
In Chittenden County, there are over 100 properties and districts on this list. Some of these are even more special and are called National Historic Landmarks, which means they are considered nationally important. Let's explore some of these amazing historic places!
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Historic Places in Chittenden County
Homes of Famous People
Ethan Allen Homestead
The Ethan Allen Homestead is the former home of Ethan Allen, a famous leader of the Green Mountain Boys during the American Revolutionary War. It's located near Burlington and was built in 1787. This homestead helps us understand what life was like for important figures in Vermont's early history.
Wilson Alwyn "Snowflake" Bentley House
In Jericho, you can find the home of Wilson Alwyn "Snowflake" Bentley. He was a farmer who became famous for taking the very first microphotographs of snowflakes in the late 1800s. He showed the world that no two snowflakes are exactly alike! His house is a reminder of his unique scientific contributions.
Martin Chittenden House
The Martin Chittenden House in Jericho was the home of Martin Chittenden, who served as the 8th Governor of Vermont. He was also a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. This house connects us to Vermont's political past.
Unique Buildings and Structures
The Round Church
One of the most unique buildings is the Round Church in Richmond. It was built between 1812 and 1813 and is famous for its sixteen-sided shape. It's a rare and well-preserved example of early 19th-century architecture. This church is so special, it's even a National Historic Landmark!
Old Red Mill and Mill House
The Old Red Mill and Mill House in Jericho is a classic Vermont landmark. Mills like this were once very important for grinding grain and sawing wood, helping communities grow. This historic site shows us how people lived and worked long ago.
Burlington Breakwater
The Burlington Breakwater is a long structure in Burlington Harbor on Lake Champlain. It was built to protect the harbor from strong winds and waves, making it safer for boats. It's an important piece of engineering that helped Burlington's port thrive.
Holmes Creek Covered Bridge
Vermont is famous for its covered bridges, and the Holmes Creek Covered Bridge in Charlotte is one of them. These bridges were covered to protect their wooden structures from the weather, making them last longer. They are beautiful reminders of older ways of building.
Historic Districts and Areas
Shelburne Farms
Shelburne Farms in Shelburne is a huge, beautiful estate created in 1886 by Dr. William Seward Webb and Eliza Osgood Vanderbilt Webb. It was designed as a "model agricultural estate," meaning it was a place to try out new farming methods. Today, it's a National Historic Landmark and a working farm that teaches about sustainable agriculture and conservation.
Fort Ethan Allen Historic District
The Fort Ethan Allen Historic District spans parts of Colchester and Essex. This area was once a U.S. Army post, built in the late 1800s. It played a role in military history, including training troops for various conflicts. Today, many of its original buildings are still standing and used for different purposes.
Winooski Falls Mill District
The Winooski Falls Mill District in Winooski tells the story of Vermont's industrial past. Located along the Winooski River, these mills were once busy factories, especially for textiles. This district shows how industry shaped the towns and lives of people in the region.
City Hall Park Historic District
In the heart of Burlington, the City Hall Park Historic District includes important buildings around the city's main park. This area has been a center of community life and government for many years. It reflects the growth and development of Burlington as a city.
Historic Vessels and Shipwrecks
The TICONDEROGA Steamboat
The TICONDEROGA is a historic steamboat built in Shelburne, Vermont, in 1906. It's 220 feet long and was once a grand passenger ferry on Lake Champlain. Today, it's preserved at the Shelburne Museum and is a National Historic Landmark, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century lake travel.
Burlington Bay Horse Ferry
Deep in Burlington Bay, there's the shipwreck of the Burlington Bay Horse Ferry. This was a very unusual type of ferry powered by horses walking on a treadmill! It's a fascinating example of early transportation technology on Lake Champlain.
Parks and Natural Areas
Mount Philo State Park
Mount Philo State Park in Charlotte is Vermont's oldest state park. It offers amazing views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. The park's historic listing recognizes its importance as an early example of conservation and public recreation.
Sand Bar State Park
Sand Bar State Park in Milton is known for its sandy beach on Lake Champlain. It's a popular spot for swimming and enjoying the lake. The park's historic status highlights its role in providing outdoor recreation for many generations.
Underhill State Park
Located in Underhill, Underhill State Park is a gateway to Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak. It's a beautiful area for hiking and enjoying nature, and its historic designation recognizes its value as a preserved natural and recreational space.
Former Listings
Sometimes, a place might be removed from the National Register of Historic Places. This can happen if the building is demolished or if it loses its historical importance for some reason. One example in Chittenden County is the Old Chittenden County Courthouse in Burlington, which was removed from the list because it was demolished.