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National Register of Historic Places listings in Dubuque County, Iowa facts for kids

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Map of Iowa highlighting Dubuque County
Location of Dubuque County in Iowa

Dubuque County in Iowa is home to many special places that tell stories about the past. These places are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect buildings, sites, and objects that are important to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. Think of it like a Hall of Fame for historic sites!

What is the National Register of Historic Places?

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation's historic places worth saving. It is managed by the National Park Service. When a place is added to this list, it means it has been recognized as important. This recognition can help protect the site and sometimes even provide money for its upkeep.

Why are these places important?

These historic places help us understand how people lived long ago. They show us how buildings were designed and how communities grew. By preserving them, we keep a piece of history alive for future generations.

National Historic Landmarks

Some places are extra special and are called National Historic Landmarks. These are the most important historic places in the country. Dubuque County has three of these very important landmarks!

Cool Historic Spots to Explore in Dubuque County

Dubuque County has many fascinating places on the National Register. Here are just a few examples that you might find interesting:

Buildings with a Story

Many buildings in Dubuque County have unique histories.

Allen House

The Allen House Dyersville, Iowa
The historic Allen House in Dyersville.

The Allen House is located in Dyersville. It was added to the National Register in 1975. This house is a great example of old architecture in the area.

Basilica of St. Francis Xavier

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The beautiful Basilica of St. Francis Xavier.

Also in Dyersville is the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier. This large church and its rectory (the priest's home) were listed in 1999. It's a very impressive building with a long history.

Carnegie-Stout Public Library

Dubuque IA - Public Library
The Carnegie-Stout Public Library in Dubuque.

The Carnegie-Stout Public Library in Dubuque was built with money from Andrew Carnegie, a famous businessman. It became a historic place in 1975. Libraries like this were important centers for learning.

Dubuque City Hall

Dubuque City Hall 2016
Dubuque City Hall, a historic government building.

Dubuque City Hall, located at 50 W. 13th St., was listed in 1972. This building is where the city's government works. It has been an important part of Dubuque for many years.

Dubuque County Courthouse

Dubuque County Courthouse
The Dubuque County Courthouse.

The Dubuque County Courthouse, built in 1893, is another grand building. It was added to the National Register in 1971. Courthouses are often central to a county's history and government.

Dubuque County Jail

Dubuque County Jail, 36 East Eighth Street, Dubuque (Dubuque County, Iowa)
The old Dubuque County Jail, now a National Historic Landmark.

The old Dubuque County Jail is a National Historic Landmark. It was listed in 1972. This building is a unique example of old jail architecture.

Grand Opera House

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The Grand Opera House in Dubuque.

The Grand Opera House in Dubuque has been a place for entertainment for many years. It was added to the National Register in 2002. Imagine all the shows and performances that have happened here!

Mathias Ham House

HamHouseMarch2004
The historic Mathias Ham House.

The Mathias Ham House is a beautiful old home in Dubuque. It was listed in 1976. This house gives us a peek into how wealthy families lived in the past.

Redstone

Red Stone
The unique Redstone building.

Redstone, located on Bluff Street in Dubuque, was listed in 1976. Its name likely comes from the color of its stone. It's a distinctive building in the city.

Shot Tower

DubuqueShotTowerMay04
The historic Shot Tower in Dubuque.

The George W. Rogers Company Shot Tower is a tall, historic tower near the riverfront in Dubuque. It was used to make lead shot for guns. It was added to the list in 1976.

Town Clock Building

Dubuque Town Clock
The iconic Town Clock Building in Dubuque.

The Town Clock Building, listed in 2002, is a well-known landmark in Dubuque. It's famous for its clock tower, which has been telling time for the city for many years.

Historic Districts and Areas

Some listings are not just single buildings but entire areas or districts. These districts include many buildings that together show a historic period or style.

Cathedral Historic District

Dubuque IA - 4th street shops
A street view within the Cathedral Historic District.

The Cathedral Historic District in Dubuque was listed in 1985. It includes 96 historic buildings, like St. Raphael's Cathedral. This area shows how the city grew around its important religious and government buildings.

Fenelon Place Residential Historic District

565 Fenlon Place
A home in the Fenelon Place Residential Historic District.

This district in Dubuque, listed in 2015, is known for its unique homes and the famous Fenelon Place Elevator. It's a great place to see historic homes on a hillside.

Four Mounds Estate Historic District

Four Mounds Estate Historic District 2013-06-08 21-53-11
Part of the Four Mounds Estate Historic District.

The Four Mounds Estate Historic District, listed in 2002, is a large historic property in Dubuque. It includes several buildings and grounds that tell the story of a significant estate.

Langworthy Historic District

1045 W. 3rd St
A building in the Langworthy Historic District.

The Langworthy Historic District in Dubuque was listed in 2004. It includes several streets with historic homes and buildings, showing how neighborhoods developed over time.

Mines of Spain State Recreation Area

Julien Dubuque Monument
The Julien Dubuque Monument, a National Historic Landmark.

The Mines of Spain State Recreation Area is a very important area in Dubuque. It includes several historic districts related to early mining and Native American history. The Julien Dubuque Monument is a National Historic Landmark within this area. It honors Julien Dubuque, one of the first European settlers in the area, who mined lead.

Lock and Dam No. 11 Historic District

Lock and Dam 11
Lock and Dam No. 11 on the Mississippi River.

This historic district, listed in 2004, is part of the system that helps boats travel on the Mississippi River. It shows important engineering work from the past.

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