National Register of Historic Places listings in Clay County, Iowa facts for kids
Welcome to Clay County, Iowa! This page is all about special places here that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of important buildings, areas, and structures that have been recognized for their history and unique design in the United States.
These places are protected because they tell us stories about the past. They help us understand how people lived, worked, and built things long ago. In Clay County, there are 9 different properties and areas that are on this special list. Let's explore some of them!
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Historic Places in Clay County
Here are some of the cool historic spots you can find in Clay County:
Spencer's Historic Buildings
Many of Clay County's historic places are in the city of Spencer.
Adams-Higgins House
The Adams-Higgins House is a historic home located at 1215 North Grand Avenue in Spencer. It was added to the National Register on September 27, 1984. This house is a great example of older homes in the area.
Clay County Courthouse
The Clay County Courthouse is a very important building. It's where a lot of the county's government work happens. You can find it at West 4th Street and 3rd Avenue West in Spencer. It became a historic site on July 2, 1981.
Spencer High School and Auditorium
The Spencer High School and Auditorium, located at 104 East 4th Street, is another significant building in Spencer. It was added to the National Register on February 12, 2010. This building has been a place of learning for many generations of students.
Historic Districts in Spencer
Some areas are special because many buildings together tell a story. These are called historic districts.
Grand Avenue Historic Commercial District
The Grand Avenue Historic Commercial District includes several blocks of buildings in downtown Spencer. This area, added on December 6, 2004, shows what the main shopping and business street looked like long ago. It covers addresses like 301-605 Grand Avenue and parts of West 5th and West 4th Streets.
North Grand Avenue Residential Historic District
Just north of the commercial area, you'll find the North Grand Avenue Residential Historic District. This district, listed on May 19, 2014, is a neighborhood with many historic homes. It runs along North Grand Avenue from 9th to 18th streets.
Historic Sites Outside Spencer
Clay County also has important historic places outside of Spencer.
Philip and Anna Parrish Kirchner Log House
Near Peterson, you can find the Philip and Anna Parrish Kirchner Log House at 4969 120th Avenue. This old log house was listed on September 2, 1993. It gives us a peek into how early settlers lived.
Little Sioux River Bridge
The Little Sioux River Bridge is a historic bridge that crosses the Little Sioux River on 210th Avenue near Spencer. It was recognized on June 25, 1998. Bridges like this are important parts of transportation history.
Logan Center School No.5
The Logan Center School No.5 is an old school building located at the junction of 420th Street and 310th Avenue, near Dickens. This schoolhouse was added to the list on January 16, 2001. It reminds us of how schools used to be in rural areas.
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Wanata State Park Picnic Shelter
In Wanata State Park, south of the junction of County Road M27 and Iowa Highway 10 near Peterson, there's a historic picnic shelter. This shelter was listed on November 15, 1990. It's a great example of structures built in parks many years ago.
