National Register of Historic Places listings in Franklin County, Nebraska facts for kids

See where Franklin County is located in Nebraska!

Hey everyone! Did you know that some buildings, bridges, and even old places where people used to live are super important to history? In the United States, there's a special list called the National Register of Historic Places. It's like a hall of fame for places that tell us about the past. When a place is on this list, it means it's really special and worth protecting so future generations can learn from it.

This article is all about the cool historic places in Franklin County, Nebraska, that are on this important list. There are four places currently listed, and a few others that were once on the list but aren't anymore. Let's explore them!

Historic Places in Franklin County

These are the amazing places in Franklin County that are currently recognized for their historical importance.

First Congregational Church, U.C.C.

• Location: Naponee
• Listed: September 14, 1982
• What it is: This beautiful church in Naponee is more than just a building; it's a piece of the town's history. Churches often played a big role in early communities, acting as gathering spots and centers for social life. This church shows us what architecture was like back when it was built.

The historic First Congregational Church in Naponee.

Franklin Bridge

• Location: Franklin
• Listed: June 29, 1992
• What it is: Imagine a time before cars, when crossing a big river was a huge challenge! The Franklin Bridge is a historic bridge that crosses the Republican River near Franklin. Bridges like this were super important for connecting towns and helping people travel and trade. This one is a great example of engineering from its time.

The historic Franklin Bridge over the Republican River.

Franklin County Courthouse

• Location: Franklin
• Listed: July 5, 1990
• What it is: The courthouse in Franklin is where important county decisions are made and where many official records are kept. It's often one of the most impressive buildings in a county seat because it represents the government and justice. This courthouse has seen a lot of history happen within its walls!

The Franklin County Courthouse, a symbol of local government.

Lost Creek Archeological Site

• Location: Near Bloomington
• Listed: May 26, 1983
• What it is: An "archeological site" is a place where scientists study the past by digging up old tools, pottery, and other things left behind by people who lived there long ago. The Lost Creek Archeological Site is a special place that helps us learn about the very first people who lived in this area of Nebraska, long before towns were built. Its exact location is kept secret to protect it.

Republican River Bridge

• Location: Near Riverton
• Listed: June 29, 1992
• What it is: Just like the Franklin Bridge, this bridge also crosses the Republican River, but closer to Riverton. It's another important example of how people built ways to cross rivers to connect communities. These old bridges are not just useful; they are also cool examples of how things were built in the past.

The Republican River Bridge near Riverton.

Former Historic Places

Sometimes, a place that was once on the National Register of Historic Places might be removed from the list. This can happen if the building is changed too much, or if it is unfortunately torn down. Here are a couple of places in Franklin County that were once on the list:

Dupee Music Hall

• Location: Franklin
• Listed: September 26, 1985
• Delisted: March 17, 2017
• What it was: The Dupee Music Hall was once a place where people gathered for music and performances. It was an important part of the cultural life in Franklin.

The Dupee Music Hall, no longer on the list.

Lincoln Hotel

• Location: Franklin
• Listed: July 6, 1989
• Delisted: March 22, 2016
• What it was: The Lincoln Hotel was a historic hotel in Franklin. Hotels were very important in the past for travelers and for hosting events in a town.

The Lincoln Hotel, once a historic landmark.