National Register of Historic Places listings in Essex County, Massachusetts facts for kids
Welcome to Essex County, Massachusetts! This area is full of amazing history, and many of its special places are on a list called the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Think of it like a Hall of Fame for buildings, sites, and areas that are important to American history. When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized for its unique story and is worth protecting for future generations.
In Essex County, there are over 450 places on this special list! Some of these are even more important and are called National Historic Landmarks – there are 26 of those here. You can find all sorts of interesting spots, from old houses where famous people lived to historic factories and beautiful parks.
-
- '
Towns with Many Historic Places
Because Essex County has so much history, some cities and towns have a lot of places on the National Register. So many, in fact, that they have their own separate lists! Here are some of those towns:
- Andover: This town has 51 historic places on the list.
- Gloucester: You'll find 34 historic spots here, often linked to its famous fishing history.
- Ipswich: This town boasts 31 historic listings.
- Lawrence: Known for its industrial past, Lawrence has 24 places on the list.
- Lynn: With 28 historic sites, Lynn has a rich story to tell.
- Methuen: This town has 45 historic properties.
- Salem: Famous for its history, Salem has 46 places on the National Register.
Sometimes, a historic place might even be split between two towns, like some properties between Methuen and Lawrence, or one between Lynn and Nahant. This means they appear on more than one list!
Other Historic Places in Essex County
Beyond the towns with their own long lists, many other cities and towns in Essex County also have important historic places. These sites are recognized for their unique history, architecture, or connection to important events and people.
Here are just a few examples of the many interesting places you can find on the National Register in other parts of Essex County:
- Abbot Hall in Marblehead: This beautiful building, listed in 1974, is a landmark in Marblehead.
- Agawam Diner in Rowley: Listed in 1999, this diner is a cool example of classic American roadside architecture.
- Amesbury and Salisbury Mills Village Historic District in Amesbury: This whole historic area, listed in 1985, shows what life was like in old mill villages.
- Parson Capen House in Topsfield: This very old house, listed in 1966, is a National Historic Landmark.
- Cogswell's Grant in Essex: Listed in 1990, this historic farm gives us a peek into early American life.
- Derby Summerhouse in Danvers: This elegant summerhouse, listed in 1968, is another National Historic Landmark.
- Fort Sewall in Marblehead: Listed in 1975, this old fort played a role in protecting the harbor.
- General John Glover House in Marblehead: The home of a Revolutionary War hero, listed in 1972 as a National Historic Landmark.
- Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site in Saugus: This site, listed in 1966, is super important because it was the first successful ironworks in North America! It's a National Historic Landmark.
- Jeremiah Lee Mansion in Marblehead: A grand house from 1768, listed in 1966 as a National Historic Landmark.
- Lowell's Boat Shop in Amesbury: Listed in 1988, this is the oldest continuously operating boat shop in the United States, making it a National Historic Landmark.
- Oliver Wendell Holmes House in Beverly: The home of a famous writer, listed in 1972 as a National Historic Landmark.
- Spencer-Pierce-Little House in Newbury: A unique 17th-century brick house, listed in 1968 as a National Historic Landmark.
- Elihu Thomson House in Swampscott: The home of a famous inventor, listed in 1976 as a National Historic Landmark.
- Twin Lights Historic District-Cape Ann Light Station in Rockport: These lighthouses on Thacher Island, listed in 1971, are a National Historic Landmark.
- John Greenleaf Whittier House in Amesbury: The home of a famous poet, listed in 1966 as a National Historic Landmark.
These are just a few of the many fascinating places in Essex County that are recognized for their importance to our shared history. Each one tells a unique story about the past!
Images for kids
-
A view of the Ballardvale Mill Pond in Andover.
-
The iconic Fisherman's Memorial in Gloucester.
-
A beautiful view of the Crane Estate in Ipswich.
-
The historic Pemberton Mill in Lawrence.
-
The Capitol Diner in Lynn.
-
Methuen City Hall.
-
The Hawkes House in Salem.
.jpg)
