National Register of Historic Places listings in Defiance County, Ohio facts for kids

Location of Defiance County in Ohio

Defiance County in Ohio is home to many special places. These places are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is an official list kept by the United States government. It helps protect buildings, sites, and objects that are important to history.

When a place is on this list, it means it has a unique story. It might be important for its history, architecture, or what it tells us about the past. In Defiance County, there are 12 places currently on this list. One other place was listed before but has since been removed.

Discovering Defiance County's Historic Places

Defiance County has many interesting spots that tell us about its past. These places are recognized for their special history or design. Let's explore some of them.

Brooke Site: An Ancient Mystery

The Brooke Site is a very old place located near the Auglaize River. It was added to the National Register in 1976. This site is important because it shows signs of ancient people who lived here long ago. Archaeologists study places like this to learn about early human life. It helps us understand how people lived, hunted, and built communities thousands of years ago in Ohio.

Defiance Public Library: A Place for Learning

The Defiance Public Library, located at 320 Fort Street, became a historic site in 1985. Libraries are often important community buildings. They are places where people can learn, read, and connect. This building likely has a unique architectural style or a long history of serving the community. It stands as a symbol of knowledge and education in Defiance.

Dey Road Bridge: A Link to the Past

The Dey Road Bridge was listed in 1999. It is found west of Defiance, near U.S. Route 24. Bridges are more than just ways to cross water. Some, like the Dey Road Bridge, are important examples of engineering from a past era. They show how people built things and traveled many years ago. This bridge helps us remember the history of transportation in the area.

East Side Fire Station: Protecting the Community

The East Side Fire Station, at Douglas and Hopkins Streets, was added to the list in 1976. Fire stations are vital parts of any town. This particular station is historic because of its age or unique design. It represents the history of public safety and how communities organized to protect their citizens from fires.

Fort Defiance Park: A Historic Stronghold

Fort Defiance Park, located on Fort Street, became a historic place in 1980. This site is very important to the history of Defiance. It was once the location of a real fort built during early American conflicts. The fort played a key role in the development of the region. Visiting the park helps us imagine what life was like for soldiers and settlers long ago.

Holgate Avenue Historic District: A Neighborhood's Story

The Holgate Avenue Historic District was recognized in 1990. A "historic district" means a whole area or neighborhood is special. This district includes several buildings along Holgate Avenue. These buildings together show a certain style of architecture or a period of growth in Defiance. Walking through this district is like taking a step back in time.

Judge Alexander Latty House: A Glimpse into Home Life

The Judge Alexander Latty House, at 718 Perry Street, was listed in 1991. This house was once the home of Judge Alexander Latty. Historic homes give us clues about how people lived in the past. They show us the styles of homes, the materials used, and sometimes even the stories of the families who lived there.

Riverside Chapel: A Quiet Place of Reflection

Riverside Chapel, located in Riverside Cemetery on S. Clinton Street, became historic in 1977. Chapels in cemeteries are often beautiful and peaceful places. They are used for services and reflection. This chapel likely has unique architecture or a long history of serving the community during times of remembrance.

Charles Speaker House: Another Historic Home

The Charles Speaker House, at 912 Holgate Avenue, was added to the list in 1997. Like the Judge Alexander Latty House, this home offers a look into the past. It shows the architectural styles and living conditions of its time. Such houses help us understand the daily lives of people who shaped the community.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church: A Place of Worship

St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Hicksville, on High Street, was listed in 1976. Churches are often central to a community's history. They are places of worship, gathering, and sometimes even education. This church likely has a long history and unique architectural features that make it special.

Former Listing: Sauer-Watson House

Sometimes, a place that was once on the National Register of Historic Places is removed. This happened to the Sauer-Watson House, which was located at 530 Washington Street in Defiance. It was listed in 1978 but removed in 1999. This can happen if a building is changed too much, or if it is no longer standing.

Images for kids

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  Ravine at the Brooke Site

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  Defiance Public Library

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  Eastern end of the Dey Road Bridge

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  East Side Fire Station in Defiance

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  Fort Defiance Park

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  Holgate Avenue Historic District

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  Judge Alexander Latty House

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  Riverside Chapel

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  Charles Speaker House

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  St. Paul's Episcopal Church

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  Site of the former Sauer-Watson House