National Register of Historic Places listings in Dawes County, Nebraska facts for kids
Dawes County, Nebraska, is home to many cool places that are super important to history! These places are officially listed on something called the National Register of Historic Places. Think of it like a special list that helps protect buildings, sites, and objects that tell us a lot about the past.
There are 17 different places in Dawes County that have made it onto this important list. One of them is even a National Historic Landmark, which means it's extra special and important to the history of the entire United States!
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Discovering History in Dawes County
The National Register of Historic Places is like a hall of fame for historic sites across the United States. When a place is added to this list, it means it's recognized for its historical, architectural, archaeological, engineering, or cultural importance. This helps make sure these places are preserved for future generations, like you, to learn from and enjoy!
Dawes County is located in the northwest part of Nebraska. It's a place with a rich history, from early trading posts to military forts and growing towns. Let's explore some of the amazing historic spots you can find here.
Amazing Historic Places to Explore
Here are some of the cool historic places in Dawes County that are on the National Register:
Fort Robinson: A Special Landmark
- Fort Robinson and Red Cloud Agency
* This is a National Historic Landmark, which is the highest honor a historic place can get! It's located about two miles west of Crawford. Fort Robinson was a very important military post in the American West. It played a big role in events involving Native American tribes and the U.S. Army. Today, it's a state park where you can explore old buildings, learn about its past, and even see buffalo and longhorn cattle. Part of it also extends into Sioux County.
Historic Sites in Crawford
- Army Theatre
* Found within Fort Robinson State Park near Crawford, this theater was built in 1905. It was a place where soldiers and their families could watch movies and shows, offering a bit of entertainment during their time at the fort.
- Co-operative Block Building
* Located at 435-445 2nd Street in Crawford, this building was listed in 1985. It's an important part of Crawford's downtown history, showing how businesses and communities grew in the early days.
- United States Post Office-Crawford
* You can find this post office at 144 Main Street in Crawford. It was built in 1939 and is special because it has a beautiful mural inside called "The Crossing." This mural was painted by G. Glenn Newell in 1940 and is one of only 12 such murals in Nebraska post offices from that time.
- Henry Wohlers, Sr. Homestead
* This historic homestead near Crawford was listed in 2004. A homestead is a piece of land given to settlers by the government to encourage them to move west and farm. This particular homestead is now known as Pine Ridge Hunting and Lodging.
Historic Sites in Chadron
- Bordeaux Trading Post
* About three miles east of Chadron on U.S. Route 20, this trading post was established in 1846 by James Bordeaux. It was a place where fur traders and Native Americans exchanged goods. Today, it's the Museum of the Fur Trade, where you can learn all about this important part of history.
- Chadron Commercial Historic District
* This district includes parts of Main Street and 2nd Street in Chadron. It was listed in 2007 and represents the historic heart of Chadron's business area, showing what the town looked like as it grew.
- Chadron Public Library
* Located at 507 Bordeaux Street in Chadron, this library was built in 1912. It's a beautiful building that has served the community as a place for reading and learning for over a century.
- Crites Hall
* Found at 10th and Main Streets in Chadron, Crites Hall is part of Chadron State College. Listed in 1983, it's used for student services, helping students with their college journey.
- Dawes County Courthouse
* This important building is on South Main Street between 4th and 5th Streets in Chadron. Built in 1935, it's where local government decisions are made and records are kept for Dawes County.
- Hotel Chadron
* Located at 115 Main Street in Chadron, this hotel was listed in 2002. It's a historic building that once welcomed travelers and played a role in the town's social life.
- Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center
* Also at 10th and Main Streets in Chadron, this building was originally a library. It was listed in 1983 and is now named after Mari Sandoz, a famous Nebraska author. It's a center dedicated to the history and culture of the High Plains.
- Miller Hall
* Another building at 10th and Main Streets in Chadron, Miller Hall is part of Chadron State College. Listed in 1983, it houses academic offices, classrooms, and the college's IT services.
- Sparks Hall
* Also on 10th and Main Streets in Chadron, Sparks Hall is another building at Chadron State College. Listed in 1983, it's where the college's main administration offices are located.
- Edna Work Hall
* This building, also at 10th and Main Streets in Chadron, is a dormitory for students at Chadron State College. Listed in 1983, it has provided a home for many students over the years.
These historic places help us understand the story of Dawes County and Nebraska, showing us how people lived, worked, and built communities long ago.
Images for kids
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The Army Theatre at Fort Robinson State Park.
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The Bordeaux Trading Post, now the Museum of the Fur Trade.
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Buildings in the Chadron Commercial Historic District.
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The historic Chadron Public Library.
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The Co-operative Block Building in Crawford.
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Crites Hall at Chadron State College.
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The Dawes County Courthouse.
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A historical marker at Fort Robinson.
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The historic Hotel Chadron.
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The Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center.
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Miller Hall at Chadron State College.
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Sparks Hall at Chadron State College.
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The United States Post Office in Crawford.
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The Henry Wohlers, Sr. Homestead.
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Edna Work Hall at Chadron State College.
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