National Register of Historic Places listings in Douglas County, Washington facts for kids
This list presents the full set of buildings, structures, objects, sites, or districts designated on the National Register of Historic Places in Douglas County, Washington, and offers brief descriptive information about each of them. The National Register recognizes places of national, state, or local historic significance across the United States. Out of over 90,000 National Register sites nationwide, Washington is home to approximately 1,500, and 24 of those are found partially or wholly in Douglas County.
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Have you ever wondered about the old buildings, bridges, or special spots in your town? Some places are so important to history that they are officially recognized! In Douglas County, Washington, there are many such places listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) is like a special list kept by the United States government. It includes buildings, structures, objects, sites, and districts that are important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. When a place is added to this list, it means it's worth protecting and remembering for future generations. It helps people learn about the past and appreciate the unique stories of different communities.
Historic Places in Douglas County
Douglas County is home to several fascinating places on the National Register. These sites tell us about the people, events, and ways of life that shaped the area over many years.
Important Buildings and Homes
Many of Douglas County's historic places are buildings where people lived, worked, or gathered.
William J. Canton House
The William J. Canton House is a historic home located at 305 West Ash Street in Waterville. It was added to the National Register on June 16, 1988. This house is a great example of the architecture from its time and helps us understand how people lived in Waterville long ago.
Douglas County Courthouse
The Douglas County Courthouse is a very important building in Waterville. It's where many local government decisions are made. This grand building, located off U.S. 2, was listed on the National Register on September 5, 1975. Courthouses often have interesting stories about the laws and people of a county.
Downtown Waterville Historic District
Instead of just one building, the Downtown Waterville Historic District is a whole area of historic buildings! It includes parts of Locust and Chelan Streets in Waterville. This district was recognized on May 19, 1988. Walking through this area is like taking a step back in time, as many of the buildings still look much like they did decades ago.
Gallaher House
The Gallaher House is a unique historic home. It was first listed on the National Register in 1975, but then it was moved! Now, it's located at 600 12th Street in Mansfield. It was re-listed on June 27, 1995, after its move. Moving an entire house is a big job, showing how much people wanted to save this piece of history.
Lutheran St. Paul's Kirche
The Lutheran St. Paul's Kirche is a historic church located on Lake Avenue in Douglas. This beautiful church was added to the National Register on April 12, 1982. Churches often serve as important community centers and hold many memories for the people who worshiped there.
Nifty Theatre
Imagine going to the movies in an old-fashioned theater! The Nifty Theatre at 201 Locust in Waterville is one such place. It was listed on the National Register on July 27, 1999. The Nifty Theatre reminds us of how people enjoyed entertainment in the past.
Christian Schmidt House
The Christian Schmidt House is another historic home in Waterville, located at 391 L NW. It was added to the National Register on December 9, 1994. Each historic house has its own story about the families who lived there and the changes they saw in their community.
Smith Hospital and Douglas County Press Building
The Smith Hospital and Douglas County Press Building is a historic site that once housed both a hospital and a newspaper office. Located at 109 North Chelan in Waterville, it was listed on May 11, 1989. This building shows how important healthcare and local news were to the community.
Waterville Hotel
The Waterville Hotel at 102 South Central Street in Waterville is a historic place where travelers and locals would stay. It was added to the National Register on October 18, 1984. Hotels like this were vital gathering spots and played a big role in the town's social life.
Bridges and Structures
Douglas County also has historic bridges and other structures that are important for their engineering and the role they played in transportation.
Columbia River Bridge at Bridgeport
The Columbia River Bridge at Bridgeport carries Washington State Route 17 over the mighty Columbia River near Bridgeport. This impressive bridge was recognized on May 31, 1995, for its engineering significance. Bridges are often vital links that connect communities and help trade and travel.
Columbia River Bridge at Wenatchee
Another important bridge over the Columbia River is the Columbia River Bridge at Wenatchee, which carries U.S. Route 2 near Wenatchee. It was added to the National Register on May 24, 1995. These bridges are not just ways to cross a river; they are also examples of clever design and construction from their time.
Rock Island Railroad Bridge
The Rock Island Railroad Bridge is a historic railway bridge located southwest of Rock Island, crossing the Columbia River. It was listed on July 30, 1975. This bridge played a key role in moving goods and people by train, which was a very important way to travel and transport things in the past.
Special Sites
Some historic places are not just buildings but special sites that mark important events or natural features.
Badger Mountain Lookout
The Badger Mountain Lookout is located near the summit of Badger Mountain, in the vicinity of East Wenatchee. This lookout was added to the National Register on December 27, 1990. Fire lookouts like this one were crucial for spotting wildfires and protecting forests and communities.
Pangborn-Herndon Memorial Site
The Pangborn-Herndon Memorial Site is a special place located about 3 miles (4.8 km) northeast of East Wenatchee. It was listed on March 16, 1972. This site honors Clyde Pangborn and Hugh Herndon, who made the first non-stop flight across the Pacific Ocean in 1931, landing near this spot. It's a reminder of amazing achievements in aviation history!
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Washington state
- Listings in neighboring counties: Chelan, Grant, Kittitas, Okanogan
- Historic preservation
- History of Washington (state)
- Index of Washington-related articles
External links
- Washington Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, Historic Register program
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places site
