National Register of Historic Places listings in Coles County, Illinois facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about the oldest and most special buildings or places in your area? In Coles County, Illinois, there are many such spots! These places are so important that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a special list kept by the United States government. It helps protect places that have a lot of history or are very unique.
When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized for its historical importance, its amazing architecture, or its connection to important events or people. It's a way to make sure these treasures are preserved for future generations, like you! In Coles County, there are 21 places currently on this list. A few others were once listed but have since been removed. Let's explore some of these cool historic sites!
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Cool Historic Places in Coles County
Bridges with a Story
Bridges are more than just ways to cross water; some have amazing stories! Coles County has several historic bridges.
- Airtight Bridge: This old bridge is located northeast of Charleston. It's a historic structure that has stood for many years.
- Blakeman Bridge: Found southeast of Charleston, the Blakeman Bridge is another important historic bridge in the county.
- Harrison Street Bridge: East of Charleston, this bridge was also on the list. Sadly, it was taken down in 2011, but its history is still remembered.
- Sixth, Seventh, and Tenth Street Stone Arch Bridges: In Charleston, you can find three stone arch bridges on 6th, 7th, and 10th Streets. These bridges show off old building styles.
- Stone Quarry Bridge: Located northeast of Charleston, this bridge is another example of the county's historic engineering.
Important Buildings in Charleston
Charleston, the county seat, is home to many buildings with interesting pasts.
- Alexander Briggs House: This house at 210 Jackson Street was built a long time ago. It's a great example of older homes in the area.
- Coles County Courthouse: Right in the public square of Charleston, the courthouse is a very important building. It's where many local government decisions happen.
- Health Education Building: Found at 1611 4th Street, this building is part of Eastern Illinois University. It has been an important place for learning for many years.
- McFarland House: Located at 895 7th Street, the McFarland House is another historic home in Charleston. It shows how people lived in the past.
- Old Main: Also at Eastern Illinois University, at Lincoln Avenue and 7th Street, Old Main is a very recognizable building. It's one of the oldest and most famous buildings on campus.
- Pemberton Hall and Gymnasium: At Lincoln Avenue and 4th Street, this building is another part of Eastern Illinois University. It has served students for a long time.
- Will Rogers Theatre and Commercial Block: This historic theater and nearby shops at 705-715 Monroe Avenue were once a busy center for entertainment and business in Charleston.
Mattoon's Historic Spots
The city of Mattoon also has its share of historic places.
- Fifteenth Street and Oklahoma Avenue Brick Street: Imagine streets made of brick! Parts of 15th Street and Oklahoma Avenue in Mattoon are still paved with bricks, showing how roads used to look.
- Illinois Central Railroad Depot: At 1718 Broadway Avenue, this old train station was a busy hub for travelers and goods. It's a reminder of the importance of railroads.
- Railway Express Agency Building: Located at 1804 Western Avenue, this building was once used by a company that delivered packages by train. It was taken down in 2013.
- Richard Roytek House: This house at 3420 Richmond Avenue is a more modern historic home in Mattoon. It shows different styles of architecture.
- Starr Hotel: The Starr Hotel at 1913-1923 Western Avenue was a popular place for travelers to stay in Mattoon.
- U.S. Post Office: At 1701 Charleston Avenue, this building has been where people send and receive mail for many years.
- Unity Church: The Unity Church at 2200 Western Avenue is a historic place of worship in Mattoon.
Other Cool Places
Coles County has other unique historic sites outside of its main towns.
- Civilian Conservation Corps Camp Shiloh Encampment Site: This site is part of the Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site in Pleasant Grove Township. It was once a camp for young men who worked on conservation projects during the Great Depression.
- Dr. Hiram Rutherford House and Office: In Oakland, at 14 S. Pike Street, you can find the home and office of Dr. Hiram Rutherford. He was an important person in the community's history.
Places That Were Once Listed
Sometimes, a place is removed from the National Register of Historic Places. This can happen if the building is changed too much, or if it is torn down.
- Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad Station: This old train station at 1632 Broadway Avenue in Mattoon was once on the list. It was removed in 2004.
Images for kids
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The historic Airtight Bridge.
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The Blakeman Bridge.
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The Alexander Briggs House.
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The Civilian Conservation Corps Camp Shiloh Encampment Site.
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The Coles County Courthouse.
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A brick street in Mattoon.
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The site of the former Harrison Street Bridge.
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The Health Education Building at Eastern Illinois University.
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The Illinois Central Railroad Depot in Mattoon.
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The McFarland House.
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Old Main at Eastern Illinois University.
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Pemberton Hall at Eastern Illinois University.
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The former Railway Express Agency Building.
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The Richard Roytek House.
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Dr. Hiram Rutherford House and Office.
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The Sixth Street Stone Arch Bridge.
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The Starr Hotel.
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The Stone Quarry Bridge.
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The U.S. Post Office in Mattoon.
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The Unity Church.
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The Will Rogers Theatre and Commercial Block.
