National Register of Historic Places listings in Franklin County, Maine facts for kids
Welcome to Franklin County, Maine! This area is home to many special places that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes buildings, areas, and objects that are important to the history of the United States.
When a place is added to the National Register, it means it's worth protecting and learning about. These places tell us stories about the past. They show us how people lived, worked, and built things long ago. Franklin County has 47 of these amazing historic sites. Two places were once on the list but have since been removed.
Discovering Historic Places in Franklin County
Franklin County is full of interesting historical spots. Each one has a unique story. Let's explore some of these special places.
Historic Buildings and Homes
Many old buildings in Franklin County are on the National Register. They show us different styles of architecture and how people lived.
The Bass Boarding House
The Bass Boarding House in Wilton was listed in 1988. It's an old building that used to provide lodging for people. Today, it's known as the Wilton Farm and Home Museum. It helps us understand daily life in the past.
Ora Blanchard House
In Stratton, you can find the Ora Blanchard House. This house was added to the list in 1980. It's a great example of homes from its time.
John G. Coburn Farm
The John G. Coburn Farm in Carthage became a historic site in 2002. It's located near the Webb River. This farm gives us a peek into the farming life of early settlers.
Chester Greenwood House
The Chester Greenwood House in Farmington is special. Chester Greenwood was a local inventor. He invented the earmuffs! His house was listed in 1978. It reminds us of his clever ideas.
Holmes-Crafts Homestead
The Holmes-Crafts Homestead in North Jay is an old home that was listed in 1973. It is now owned by the local historical society. They help preserve its history.
Frank Hutchins House
The Frank Hutchins House in Kingfield was added to the list in 1986. This house is also home to the local historical society. It's a place where history is kept alive.
Nordica Homestead
The Nordica Homestead in Farmington is the birthplace of Lillian Nordica, a famous opera singer. It was listed in 1969 and is now a museum. You can learn about her life and music there.
Porter-Bell-Brackley Estate
In Strong, the Porter-Bell-Brackley Estate was listed in 1980. This estate shows us how grand homes were built in the past.
Hiram Ramsdell House
The Hiram Ramsdell House in Farmington was listed in 1973. It's another example of the beautiful old homes in the area.
Capt. Joel Whitney House
The Capt. Joel Whitney House in Phillips was listed in 2003. It is now home to the Phillips Historical Society. They work to preserve the history of their town.
Amos G. Winter House
The Amos G. Winter House in Kingfield was listed in 1976. This house is another important piece of the county's history.
Important Public Buildings
Franklin County also has historic public buildings that served the community.
Cutler Memorial Library
The Cutler Memorial Library in Farmington was listed in 1973. Libraries are important places for learning and community. This building has served its town for many years.
Franklin County Courthouse
The Franklin County Courthouse in Farmington was listed in 1983. Courthouses are where important legal decisions are made. This building has seen a lot of history.
Goodspeed Memorial Library
The Goodspeed Memorial Library in Wilton was listed in 1989. It's another beautiful old library building that has been important to its community.
Jay-Niles Memorial Library
The Jay-Niles Memorial Library in North Jay was listed in 1987. This library has been a center for reading and knowledge in its town.
Merrill Hall
Merrill Hall in Farmington was listed in 1980. It's an important building, likely part of a school or college campus, contributing to the town's educational history.
Rangeley Public Library
The Rangeley Public Library in Rangeley was listed in 1978. It's a key part of the town's history and community life.
Rangeley Trust Company Building
The Rangeley Trust Company Building in Rangeley was listed in 1989. This building, once a bank, is now the local historical society museum. It helps preserve the town's past.
Weld Town Hall
The Weld Town Hall in Weld was listed in 2007. Town halls are important places where local government happens. This building has served the community for many years.
Historic Churches and Meetinghouses
Several religious buildings in Franklin County are also on the National Register.
First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ
The First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ in Farmington was listed in 1974. This church has been a place of worship for a long time.
Free Will Baptist Meetinghouse
The Free Will Baptist Meetinghouse in Farmington was listed in 1973. It was once a church but is now used as a garage. It still holds historical value.
New Sharon Congregational Church
The New Sharon Congregational Church in New Sharon was listed in 1985. It's another beautiful historic church in the county.
Old Union Meetinghouse
The Old Union Meetinghouse in Farmington was listed in 1973. Meetinghouses were important gathering places in early American towns.
Oquossoc Log Church
The Oquossoc Log Church in Rangeley was listed in 1984. This unique church is built from logs. It shows a different style of construction.
Union Church (Phillips, Maine)
The Union Church in Phillips was listed in 1989. This church has been a central part of the Phillips community.
Historic Schools
Old schoolhouses are important reminders of how education used to be.
Coplin Plantation Schoolhouse
The Coplin Plantation Schoolhouse in Coplin Plantation was listed in 1997. This old schoolhouse helps us imagine what school was like for kids long ago.
Little Red Schoolhouse (Farmington, Maine)
The Little Red Schoolhouse in Farmington was listed in 1972. It was moved to the Franklin Agricultural Society Fairgrounds in 2007. It's a classic image of an old one-room school.
Madrid Village Schoolhouse
The Madrid Village Schoolhouse in Madrid was listed in 1995. This schoolhouse is another example of early education in the county.
Temple Intervale School
The Temple Intervale School in Temple was listed in 1985. It's a historic building that once served as a school for the community.
Upper Dallas School
The Upper Dallas School in Dallas Plantation was listed in 1990. This schoolhouse is a reminder of the importance of education in rural areas.
Other Unique Historic Sites
Some listings are not just buildings but entire areas or special structures.
Arnold Trail to Quebec
The Arnold Trail to Quebec is a historic district that stretches through Franklin and other counties. It was listed in 1969. This trail marks the path of Benedict Arnold's difficult journey during the American Revolutionary War.
Farmington Historic District
The Farmington Historic District includes a large area of downtown Farmington. It was listed in 1995. This district has many historic buildings together, showing the town's growth over time.
McCleary Farm
The McCleary Farm in Strong was listed in 1989. This farm is recognized for its historical importance, perhaps showing traditional farming practices or architecture.
Orgone Energy Observatory
The Orgone Energy Observatory in Rangeley was listed in 1999. It is now the William/Wilhelm Reich Museum. This site is unique because it was used for scientific research by Wilhelm Reich.
Thompson's Bridge
Thompson's Bridge is a historic bridge located off State Route 43 near the county line. It was listed in 1991. Bridges are important for transportation and often show interesting engineering from the past.
U.S. Inspection Station-Coburn Gore, Maine
The U.S. Inspection Station-Coburn Gore, Maine was listed in 2014. This station is located at the border. It played a role in controlling who and what entered the country.
Places Formerly on the List
Sometimes, places are removed from the National Register. This can happen if they are destroyed or if their historical importance changes.
Jacob Abbott House
The Jacob Abbott House in Farmington was listed in 1973 but removed in 2010.
New Sharon Bridge
The New Sharon Bridge in New Sharon was listed in 1999 but removed in 2015 because it was demolished.
