National Register of Historic Places listings in Elmore County, Idaho facts for kids
Welcome to Elmore County, Idaho! This special place is home to many buildings, sites, and areas that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This list is like a hall of fame for important historical spots across the United States. These places are recognized because they tell amazing stories about the past, showing us how people lived, worked, and played long ago.
In Elmore County, there are 23 different places that have been added to this important list. Each one helps us understand the history of Idaho and the people who shaped it. Let's explore some of these cool historic sites!
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Exploring Elmore County's Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places helps protect buildings, structures, objects, sites, and districts that are important to American history. When a place is added to this list, it means it has special meaning because of its history, architecture, or what happened there. It's like a time capsule that we can visit and learn from!
Mountain Home's Historic Gems
Mountain Home is one of the main towns in Elmore County and has several interesting historic buildings.
- F. P. Ake Building: This building, located at 160–172 N. Main St., was added to the list on November 17, 1982. It's an example of an old business building from the past.
- Pedro Anchustegui Pelota Court: Found on W. 2nd North St., this unique court was listed on January 30, 1978. It was used for a traditional Basque sport called pelota, showing the cultural heritage of the area.
- Elmore County Courthouse: This important building at 150 S. 4th East was listed on September 22, 1987. Courthouses are often central to a county's history and government.
- KwikCurb Diner: A more recent addition, listed on July 26, 2010, this diner at 850 S. 3rd West Street represents a classic American dining experience.
- Father Lobell House: Located at 125 N. 4th East St., this house was listed on November 17, 1982. Sadly, the building no longer exists, but its history is still recognized.
- Mountain Home Baptist Church: This church at 265 N. 4th East St. was listed on November 17, 1982. Like the Father Lobell House, this building is no longer standing, but it was once an important part of the community.
- Mountain Home Carnegie Library: You can find this historic library at 180 S. 3rd East. It was listed on July 24, 1978. Carnegie libraries were built all over the country with money from Andrew Carnegie, a famous businessman.
- Mountain Home High School: The old high school building at 550 E. Jackson St. was listed on August 8, 1991. It's a place where many generations of students learned and grew.
- Mountain Home Hotel (Bengoechea Hotel): This hotel at 195 N. 2nd West St. was listed on October 29, 1982. Hotels often tell stories of travelers and the growth of a town.
- St. James Episcopal Church: Located at 305 N. 3rd East St., this church was listed on October 5, 1977. Churches are often important community centers and examples of historic architecture.
- Turner Hotel: Another historic hotel, found at 140-170 E. Jackson St., was listed on September 7, 1984.
Glenns Ferry's Historic Sites
Glenns Ferry is another town in Elmore County with its own collection of historic places.
- Amstutz Apartments: These apartments at 320 S. Ada St. were listed on September 23, 1982. They show how people lived in multi-family homes in the past.
- Glenns Ferry School: The old school building at 161 W. Cleveland Ave. was listed on September 7, 1984. It is now the Glenns Ferry Historical Museum, where you can learn even more about the area's past.
- Gorby Opera Theater: This theater at 128 E. Idaho Ave. was listed on November 17, 1982. Opera houses were once popular places for entertainment and community gatherings.
- J. S. McGinnis Building: Located at 71–83 N. Commercial St., this building was added to the list on November 17, 1982. It's another example of a historic commercial building.
- O'Neill Brothers Building: This building at 36 E. Idaho Ave. was listed on November 17, 1982.
- Our Lady of Limerick Catholic Church: Found at 113 W. Arthur Ave., this church was listed on November 17, 1982. It's a beautiful example of religious architecture from the past.
Atlanta's Mining History
The town of Atlanta, Idaho, is known for its mining history, and several places there are recognized for their importance.
- Atlanta Dam and Power Plant: West of Atlanta on the Boise River, this site was listed on October 5, 1977. It shows how early communities generated power.
- Atlanta Historic District: This district includes Quartz Creek, Pine, and Main Sts. and was listed on April 6, 1978. A "historic district" means a group of buildings or an area that is historically important together.
- Atlanta Ranger Station Historic District: Located in the Boise National Forest, this district was listed on January 23, 2003. Ranger stations were vital for managing forests and protecting natural resources.
Other Important Historic Areas
Elmore County also has larger historic areas that cover more ground.
- Guffey Butte – Black Butte Archeological District: This large district stretches along about 34 miles of the Snake River, crossing into Canyon, Ada, Owyhee, and Elmore counties. It was listed on October 10, 1978. An "archeological district" means it contains important remains from ancient human activity, like tools or old campsites.
- South Boise Historic Mining District: This district is located in the Boise and Sawtooth National Forests near Rocky Bar, Idaho. It was listed on December 30, 1975. This area tells the story of Idaho's rich mining past and the brave people who sought their fortunes there.
These 23 places in Elmore County are more than just old buildings or sites; they are windows into the past that help us understand the history and culture of Idaho. By learning about them, we can appreciate the stories they tell and the importance of preserving them for future generations.
