National Register of Historic Places listings in Erie County, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about the oldest or most special buildings and places in your area? In Erie County, Pennsylvania, there's a list of amazing spots that are part of the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a special club for buildings, areas, and objects that are important to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture.
When a place is added to this list, it means it's recognized as a valuable part of our past. It helps protect these places so future generations can learn from and enjoy them. Erie County has 49 properties and districts on this list! Two other places were once listed but have since been removed, often because they were destroyed or changed too much. Let's explore some of these cool historic sites!
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Historic Buildings in Erie County
Erie County is home to many fascinating buildings, each with its own story. These places show us how people lived, worked, and built things long ago.
Cool Places in Erie City
The city of Erie has many historic buildings, from old homes to grand theaters.
Academy Hall: A School's Oldest Building
Located at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Academy Hall is a beautiful building constructed in 1857. It's designed in the Italianate style, which was popular for its fancy details and tall windows. This building is super important because it's the oldest "normal school" building in Pennsylvania. A normal school was a place where teachers were trained. Imagine learning in a building that's over 160 years old!
Boston Store: A Grand Shopping Place
The Boston Store at 716–728 State Street in Erie was completed in 1931. It's a great example of Art Deco style, known for its sleek lines and geometric shapes. This was the biggest and most famous department store in Erie for much of the 20th century. Think of it as a huge mall from the past, where people went to buy everything from clothes to furniture!
Dickson Tavern: Erie's Oldest Building
If you want to see the oldest building in Erie, you need to visit Dickson Tavern at 201 French Street. Built in 1815, this building shows off the Greek Revival style, which looks a bit like ancient Greek temples. It's amazing to think about all the history that has happened within its walls!
Erie Land Lighthouse: A Guiding Light
The Erie Land Lighthouse is a special landmark at Lighthouse Park. It was the very first lighthouse built on the Great Lakes in the United States! The current tower was built in 1867 after the first two had problems with their foundations. Even though it stopped working in 1899, it's now a beautiful centerpiece of a city park, reminding us of Erie's connection to Lake Erie.
Erie Trust Company Building: Erie's Tallest
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Standing tall at 1001 State Street, the Erie Trust Company Building was finished in 1928. This Art Deco office building is the tallest in Erie. In 1996, it was renamed the Renaissance Centre. It's a great example of the impressive buildings constructed during that time.
Hornby School: A One-Room Classroom
Out in Greenfield Township, you can find the Hornby School at 10000 Station Road. This is a classic one-room schoolhouse built in 1875. Imagine all the grades learning together in one room! It was a school until 1956 and then reopened as a museum in 1984, so you can still visit and see what school was like long ago.
Warner Theatre: A Grand Entertainment Spot
The Warner Theatre at 811 State Street is a stunning Art Deco theater built in 1930. It was designed for Warner Bros., a famous movie company, by the architects Rapp and Rapp. This theater is a beautiful place to watch shows and movies, and it takes you back to a time when going to the cinema was a very special event.
Historic Bridges in Erie County
Erie County also has some historic bridges, which are important parts of its transportation history.
Harrington Covered Bridge: A Classic Covered Bridge
The Harrington Covered Bridge is one of only two remaining covered bridges in Erie County. It crosses the West Branch Conneaut Creek on Barney Road in Conneaut Township. This bridge was built in 1870 and uses a "multiple kingpost truss" design, which is a way of arranging wooden beams to make the bridge strong. Covered bridges are often called "kissing bridges" because they are dark and private inside!
Waterford Covered Bridge: Another Historic Crossing
Also one of the two remaining covered bridges in Erie County, the Waterford Covered Bridge is on Niemeyer Road over LeBoeuf Creek in Waterford Township. It was built in 1875 and uses a "Town lattice truss" design. This bridge was closed to traffic in 2011, but it remains a beautiful piece of history.
Historic Districts: Whole Neighborhoods of History
Sometimes, it's not just one building that's historic, but a whole group of them that tell a story together. These are called historic districts.
North East Historic District
The North East Historic District in North East includes many streets like Division, North Lake, Eagle, North Pearl, and Gibson Streets. This area was recognized in 1990 because it has many buildings that show the history and development of the town. Walking through it is like taking a step back in time!
Union City Historic District
Similarly, the Union City Historic District in Union City covers an area roughly bounded by Third, High, Main, and South Streets. This district was also recognized in 1990 for its collection of historic buildings that show the town's past.
Waterford Borough Historic District
The Waterford Borough Historic District in Waterford includes streets like North Park Row, High, West First, and Walnut Streets. This district, recognized in 1990, helps preserve the historic feel and architecture of this charming borough.
Famous Ships and Other Unique Sites
Erie County also has some very unique historic listings, including a famous ship!
USS Niagara: A War Hero Ship
The U.S.S. NIAGARA' is a truly special listing, located at the Erie Maritime Museum. This ship was the flagship of Oliver Hazard Perry during the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813. This was a very important naval battle during the War of 1812. The Niagara played a key role in the American victory. It's amazing that you can visit a real warship from over 200 years ago!
Sommerheim Park Archaeological District: Ancient History
The Sommerheim Park Archaeological District is located on bluffs above Sommerheim Drive and Presque Isle Bay in Millcreek Township. This isn't about buildings, but about what's hidden underground! An archaeological district means that this area contains important clues and artifacts from ancient human settlements. It helps us learn about the very first people who lived in this region.
Former Historic Listings
Sometimes, places are removed from the National Register if they are destroyed or changed too much.
Carman Covered Bridge: Lost to Fire
The Carman Covered Bridge was once a historic listing in Conneaut and Springfield Townships. Sadly, this bridge was burned down, and because it was destroyed, it was removed from the National Register in 1998.
Images for kids
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The C.F. Adams Building in Erie.
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The Cashier's House in Erie.
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Chandlery Corner in Erie.
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The Corry Armory.
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The Eagle Hotel in Waterford.
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The Erie Armory.
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The Erie Federal Courthouse.
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Federal Row in Erie.
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The Gudgeonville Covered Bridge, which was destroyed by fire.
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The Pierre S. V. Hamot House.
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The John Hill House in Erie.
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The site of the Jackson Koehler Eagle Brewery.
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The Lovell Manufacturing Company building.
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The Main Library in Erie.
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Manchester School No. 3.
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The Modern Tool Company building.
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The Nicholson House and Inn.
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A street view in North East, Pennsylvania.
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The Old Customshouse in Erie.
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The Park Dinor.
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The Presque Isle Light.
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The Charles Manning Reed Mansion, also known as the Erie Club.
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Short's Hotel in North East.
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The Sturgeon House.
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The Thayer-Thompson House.
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A street in Union City, Pennsylvania.
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Villa Maria Academy.
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A street view in Waterford, Pennsylvania.
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The Watson-Curtze Mansion.
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The West 21st Street Historic District in Erie.
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West Park Place in Erie.
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The Erie County Courthouse, part of the West Sixth Street Historic District.
