National Register of Historic Places listings in Evanston, Illinois facts for kids
Evanston, Illinois, is a city with a rich history, and many of its important buildings and places are recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. This special list is like a hall of fame for historic sites across the United States. When a place is added to this list, it means it's considered important to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. It helps protect these places and makes people more aware of their value. Evanston has 62 such listings, showing just how much history is packed into this city!
Historic Homes and Buildings
Evanston is home to many beautiful and old buildings that have been recognized for their unique history or architecture. These places tell stories about how people lived and worked in the past.
Frederick B. Carter, Jr. House
The Frederick B. Carter, Jr. House, located at 1024 Judson Avenue, is a great example of Prairie School architecture. This style was popular in the early 1900s and is known for its strong horizontal lines, open floor plans, and connection to the flat landscapes of the American Midwest. This house was designed by the famous architect Walter Burley Griffin in 1910.
Charles Gates Dawes House
Another important historic home is the Charles Gates Dawes House at 225 Greenwood Street. This house was once the home of Charles G. Dawes, who was the Vice President of the United States from 1925 to 1929. He even won the Nobel Peace Prize! Today, this historic house is home to the Evanston History Center, where you can learn even more about the city's past. It was added to the National Register in 1976.
Dwight Perkins House
The Dwight Perkins House, found at 2319 Lincoln Street, is another significant architectural landmark. Dwight Perkins was a well-known architect, and his own home, built in 1904, is a great example of his work. It was recognized on the National Register in 1985.
Frances Willard House
The Frances Willard House at 1730 Chicago Avenue is a very special place. Frances Willard was a leader in the women's suffrage movement, fighting for women's right to vote, and a social reformer. Her home is now a museum and a National Historic Landmark, meaning it's one of the most important historic sites in the country. It was listed in 1966.
Woman's Christian Temperance Union Administration Building
Right next to the Frances Willard House, at 1730R Chicago Avenue, is the Woman's Christian Temperance Union Administration Building. This building was the headquarters for the Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU), an organization that Frances Willard led. They worked to promote temperance (avoiding alcohol) and other social reforms. This building was added to the National Register in 2002.
Marywood Academy (Evanston Civic Center)
The building at 2100 Ridge Avenue, known as Marywood Academy, has a fascinating history. It was once a Catholic girls' school. Today, this grand building serves as the Evanston Civic Center, where many city offices are located. It was added to the National Register in 2006.
Historic Districts
Evanston also has several "historic districts." These are areas where many buildings together have historical importance, creating a unique historic feel for the neighborhood.
Evanston Lakeshore Historic District
The Evanston Lakeshore Historic District covers a large area near Lake Michigan. It includes parts of Northwestern University and Calvary Cemetery. This district was recognized in 1980 for its beautiful homes and buildings along the lake, showing how the city developed over time.
Evanston Ridge Historic District
Another important area is the Evanston Ridge Historic District. This district is roughly bounded by Main, Asbury, Ashland, Emerson, Ridge, and Maple Avenues. It was listed in 1983 and features many historic homes and buildings that show the architectural styles popular in Evanston's past.
Northeast Evanston Historic District
The Northeast Evanston Historic District is another large area with many historic buildings. It's bounded by Emerson Street, Sherman Avenue, Sheridan Place, Lake Michigan, Sheridan Road, and Orrington Avenue. This district was added to the National Register in 1999.
Oakton Historic District
The Oakton Historic District is located roughly by Oakton Street, Howard Street, Ridge Avenue, and Asbury Avenue. This district, listed in 2005, showcases the historic character of this part of Evanston.
Other Notable Listings
Beyond homes and districts, Evanston has other unique places on the National Register.
Grosse Point Light Station
The Grosse Point Light Station, located at 2601 Sheridan Road, is a historic lighthouse. Lighthouses are important because they guide ships safely, especially before modern navigation tools. This lighthouse was built in 1873 and is a National Historic Landmark, recognized in 1976. It's a beautiful landmark along the lakefront.
Shakespeare Garden
Did you know there's a Shakespeare Garden in Evanston? Located on the Northwestern University campus, this special garden was designed to include plants mentioned in William Shakespeare's plays. It's a peaceful and educational spot that was added to the National Register in 1988.
Old Roycemore School Building
The Old Roycemore School building at 640 Lincoln Street was once a private school. School buildings often hold many memories and stories from generations of students. This building was recognized for its historical significance in 1987.