National Register of Historic Places listings in DeKalb County, Alabama facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about old buildings and places that are super important to history? In DeKalb County, Alabama, there are many such spots! These special places are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a national list of buildings, sites, and objects that are worth saving because of their history.
This list helps us remember and protect places that tell us stories about the past. It could be an old factory, a train station, or even a whole neighborhood! DeKalb County has 12 of these amazing places. Let's explore some of them!
Historic Places in DeKalb County
Fort Payne's Historic Buildings
Many of DeKalb County's historic places are in the city of Fort Payne, Alabama. One interesting spot is the Alabama Builders' Hardware Manufacturing Company. This old factory building, located at 204 8th Street, NE, was listed in 1986. It shows us what industries were important in Fort Payne a long time ago.
Another cool building is the Alabama Great Southern Railroad Passenger Depot. This train station on NE 5th Street was added to the list in 1971. Train stations were once very busy places. They were where people traveled from and to, and where goods were shipped. This depot reminds us of how important railroads were for travel and trade.
The Fort Payne Opera House is another special place. Found at 510 Gault Avenue, N., it was listed in 1970. An opera house is a building where plays, concerts, and other performances happen. Imagine all the shows and events that took place here over the years! It was a center for entertainment and culture in the community.
Historic Districts: Whole Neighborhoods!
Sometimes, it's not just one building that's historic, but a whole area! These are called historic districts.
The Fort Payne Boom Town Historic District is one such area. It includes parts of Gault Street from 4th to 6th Street, NE. This district was listed in 1989. A "boom town" is a place that grew very quickly, often because of a new industry or discovery. This district shows us what Fort Payne looked like during its fast-growing period.
Another important area is the Fort Payne Main Street Historic District. This district covers Gault Avenue from 2nd Street, NE, to 2nd Street, NW. It was also listed in 1989. Main Street areas are usually the heart of a town, with shops and businesses. This district tells us about the daily life and commerce in old Fort Payne.
There's also the Fort Payne Residential Historic District. This area includes many homes and streets, showing how people lived in Fort Payne. It was listed in 1988. Looking at these old houses can give us clues about the styles and ways of life from the past.
In Collinsville, Alabama, you can find the Collinsville Historic District. This district includes Valley Avenue, Main Street, and Grand Avenue. It was added to the list in 2006. Like Fort Payne's districts, it helps preserve the unique look and feel of Collinsville's history.
Other Notable Historic Sites
In Mentone, Alabama, there was once the Mentone Springs Hotel. This hotel, located on State Route 117, was listed in 1983. Hotels like this were popular places for people to stay and relax, especially in scenic areas. Sadly, this historic hotel was destroyed by a fire in 2014. Even though it's gone, its history is still remembered on the National Register.
Also in Mentone is the Dr. J.A. Gorman House, located on Lookout Street. This house was listed in 1996. Old homes often tell us about the people who lived there and the way life was in earlier times.
In Hammondville, Alabama, you can find the Vance C. Larmore House at 810 County Road 606. This house was added to the list in 2004. Each of these homes has its own story and architectural style that makes it special.
Finally, in Valley Head, Alabama, there is Winston Place, located off State Route 117. This site was listed in 1987. Historic places like Winston Place often have interesting stories about the families or events connected to them.
These are just some of the amazing historic places in DeKalb County, Alabama. Each one helps us understand the rich history of the area and why it's important to protect these treasures for future generations!
Images for kids
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The Alabama Builders' Hardware Manufacturing Company building
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A street view in the Fort Payne Boom Town Historic District.
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Downtown Collinsville, part of the Collinsville Historic District.
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The historic Fort Payne Opera House.
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The Mentone Springs Hotel before it was destroyed by fire.
