National Register of Historic Places listings in Elkhart County, Indiana facts for kids
This is a list of the National Register of Historic Places listings in Elkhart County, Indiana.
Welcome to Elkhart County, Indiana! This place is full of cool history, and many of its special buildings and areas are protected. They are part of something called the National Register of Historic Places. Think of it like a national list of important places that tell us about America's past.
This article will show you some of the amazing historic spots right here in Elkhart County. These places help us remember how people lived, worked, and built communities long ago. There are 38 properties and areas currently on this special list in the county. A couple of others were once listed but are not anymore.
When you see a place listed, it might be in a city like Elkhart or Goshen. If it's not in a city, it will show the name of its township. Sometimes, a place might even be in more than one area!
Contents
Discovering Elkhart County's History
What is the National Register?
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of buildings, districts, sites, structures, and objects that are important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. It's like a hall of fame for historic places! When a place is added to this list, it means it's recognized as special and worth preserving for future generations. It also helps protect these places and can offer support for their care.
Amazing Historic Places in Elkhart County
Elkhart County has many fascinating places on the National Register. These include grand houses, important public buildings, old factories, and even entire neighborhoods. Each one has a unique story to tell about the county's past.
Homes with Stories
Many beautiful old houses in Elkhart County are on the list. These homes often belonged to important people who helped shape the area. For example, the Albert R. Beardsley House (also known as Ruthmere Mansion) in Elkhart is a stunning mansion built in 1910. It's a great example of fancy architecture from that time. Another interesting home is the Dr. Havilah Beardsley House, also in Elkhart. Dr. Beardsley was one of the first people to settle in Elkhart, so his house is very important to the city's history.
Other notable homes include the Emmanuel C. Bickel House and the Charles Gerard Conn Mansion, both in Elkhart. In Nappanee, you can find the Frank and Katharine Coppes House and the Arthur Miller House, which show different styles of homes from the past. The William N. Violett House and the Violett-Martin House and Gardens in Goshen are also recognized for their historical value.
Important Public Buildings
Public buildings often play a big role in a community's history. The Elkhart County Courthouse in Goshen is a grand building where important decisions for the county have been made for many years. It's a symbol of local government. The Goshen Carnegie Public Library is another significant building. It was built with money from Andrew Carnegie, who helped fund thousands of libraries across the country, making books available to everyone.
The Lerner Theatre in Elkhart is a beautiful old theater that has hosted countless performances and events. It's a reminder of how people entertained themselves in the past. The Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) building in Elkhart is also listed, showing its importance in supporting women and the community over the years.
Historic Districts and Neighborhoods
Sometimes, it's not just one building that's historic, but a whole group of buildings or a neighborhood! These are called historic districts. The Beardsley Avenue Historic District in Elkhart includes many beautiful homes and even a park, showing what a fancy neighborhood looked like long ago. The Downtown Nappanee Historic District and the Elkhart Downtown Commercial Historic District protect the old main streets of these towns, where people used to shop and gather.
The Goshen Historic District covers a large part of downtown Goshen, preserving its historic feel. Other districts like the Morehouse Residential Historic District and the State Street-Division Street Historic District in Elkhart, and the Nappanee Eastside Historic District in Nappanee, help keep the unique character of these areas alive.
Old Mills and Bridges
Beyond buildings, some other structures are also very important. The Bonneyville Mills in York Township is an old mill that used to grind grain. It's a great example of early industry and how people processed food. Bridges are also vital links, and the Bridge Street Bridge in Elkhart, which crosses the St. Joseph River, and the Fort Wayne Street Bridge in Goshen, over the Elkhart River, are recognized for their engineering and historical significance.
Farms also tell a story of the past. The Dierdorff Farmstead and the Joseph and Sarah Puterbaugh Farm show how agriculture shaped the county. The Joseph J. Rohrer Farm and the Stahly-Nissley-Kuhns Farm in Nappanee are also listed, giving us a glimpse into rural life.
Other Unique Places
Other interesting places include the Baugo Township Gymnasium, a place where people gathered for sports and community events. The Bristol-Washington Township School shows us what schools looked like in the past. Churches like St. John of the Cross Episcopal Church in Bristol and St. John's Lutheran Church in Goshen are also important parts of the community's history. The Nappanee West Park and Pavilion is a historic park where people have enjoyed outdoor activities for generations.
Places That Were Once Listed
Sometimes, a historic place might be removed from the National Register. This usually happens if the building is changed too much, or if it is torn down. In Elkhart County, two places were once on the list but are not anymore:
- The Bucklen Theatre in Elkhart was a historic theater, but it was demolished in 1986.
- The Buescher Band Instrument Company Building in Elkhart was an important factory that made musical instruments. It was removed from the list in 1996.
These former listings remind us that history is always changing, and it's important to protect the places that still stand today.
Images for kids
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A house in the Beardsley Avenue Historic District.
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The Albert R. Beardsley House, also known as Ruthmere Mansion.
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The Dr. Havilah Beardsley House.
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The Emmanuel C. Bickel House.
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Bonneyville Mills, an old grist mill.
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The historic Bridge Street Bridge over the St. Joseph River.
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The Bristol-Washington Township School.
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The Charles Gerard Conn Mansion.
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The Frank and Katharine Coppes House in Nappanee.
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A barn at the Dierdorff Farmstead.
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Downtown Nappanee, part of a historic district.
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The Elkhart County Courthouse in Goshen.
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Main Street in Elkhart, part of the Downtown Commercial Historic District.
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The Fort Wayne Street Bridge in Goshen.
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The Solomon Fowler Mansion in Bristol.
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The Goshen Carnegie Public Library.
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The Green Block building in Elkhart.
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The William and Helen Koerting House.
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The Lerner Theatre in Elkhart.
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The Arthur Miller House in Nappanee.
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The Mark L. and Harriet E. Monteith House.
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A street in the Morehouse Residential Historic District.
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Houses in the Nappanee Eastside Historic District.
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Nappanee West Park and its pavilion.
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The Joseph and Sarah Puterbaugh Farmhouse.
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The Joseph J. Rohrer Farm.
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St. John of the Cross Episcopal Church in Bristol.
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St. John's Lutheran Church near Goshen.
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The Stahly-Nissley-Kuhns Farm.
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State Street in the State Street-Division Street Historic District.
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The William N. Violett House in Goshen.
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The Violett-Martin House in Goshen.
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The Young Women's Christian Association building in Elkhart.
