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

Welcome to Franklin County, Pennsylvania! Did you know that many special places here are protected because of their history? This article is all about the National Register of Historic Places listings in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. These are buildings, farms, bridges, and even whole neighborhoods that are super important to the history of the United States.

The National Register of Historic Places is like a special list kept by the U.S. government. It helps make sure that important historical sites are preserved for future generations. In Franklin County, there are 64 places on this list! Each one has a unique story to tell about the past.

Exploring Franklin County's Historic Gems

Let's take a closer look at some of the amazing historic places you can find in Franklin County. Each one holds a piece of history!

Historic Homes and Farms

Many old homes and farms in Franklin County are on the National Register. They show us what life was like long ago.

Angle Farm: A Glimpse into the Past

The Angle Farm is located southeast of Mercersburg. It was added to the list in 1979. This farm helps us understand how people lived and worked on farms many years ago.

Brotherton Farm: An Old Homestead

Another important farm is the Brotherton Farm. It's southeast of Chambersburg. This farm, listed in 1979, shows us how early settlers built their homes and managed their land.

John Brown House: A Story of Courage

The John Brown House in Chambersburg is a very famous spot. John Brown was an important figure in the fight against slavery before the Civil War. This house, listed in 1970, tells a powerful story of freedom and justice.

Jeremiah Burns Farm: Preserving Rural Life

The Jeremiah Burns Farm in Washington Township was added to the list in 2002. It's a great example of a historic farmstead, showing us how rural life in Pennsylvania has changed over time.

Coldbrook Farm: A Historic Property

Coldbrook Farm in Chambersburg joined the list in 1996. It's another important farm that helps preserve the agricultural history of the area.

Corker Hill: A Unique Residence

Corker Hill in Greene Township, listed in 2003, is a historic home with unique architecture. It stands as a reminder of past building styles.

Culbertson-Harbison Farm: A Family Legacy

The Culbertson-Harbison Farm near Nyesville was listed in 1980. This farm represents the long history of families working the land in Franklin County.

Widow Donaldson Place: An Old Home Near Fort Loudon

The Widow Donaldson Place, near Fort Loudon, became historic in 1987. It's an old home that has seen many years of history pass by.

James Finley House: Part of a Military Base

The James Finley House is special because it's located within the Letterkenny Army Depot. Listed in 1974, it shows how historic buildings can exist even within modern facilities.

Gass House: A Roadside Landmark

The Gass House, east of Chambersburg, was added in 1977. It's a historic home located off a main road, showing the spread of early settlements.

Handycraft Farmstead: A Well-Preserved Farm

The Handycraft Farmstead in Washington Township was listed in 2002. It's a great example of a well-preserved farm, showing how agriculture shaped the region.

Lane House: A Mercersburg Landmark

The Lane House in Mercersburg is a historic home on Main Street. Listed in 1972, it's a key part of the town's historic feel.

Mitchell-Shook House: A Greencastle Treasure

The Mitchell-Shook House in Greencastle was added in 1980. It's a beautiful example of historic architecture in the town.

Mt. Pleasant Iron Works House: Industrial History

The Mt. Pleasant Iron Works House near Fort Loudon, listed in 1974, is connected to the area's industrial past. It reminds us of the iron production that once happened here.

Joseph J. Oller House: A Waynesboro Home

The Joseph J. Oller House in Waynesboro was added to the list in 1996. It's another historic home that contributes to the town's character.

Royer-Nicodemus House and Farm: A Farm's Story

The Royer-Nicodemus House and Farm in Waynesboro, listed in 1976, tells the story of a family and their farm over many years.

Skinner Tavern: A Stop for Travelers

The Skinner Tavern in Letterkenny Township, added in 2005, was likely a place where travelers could rest and eat long ago. Taverns were important gathering spots in early America.

Springdale Mills: A Historic Mill

Springdale Mills near Waynesboro, listed in 1975, is a historic mill. Mills were vital for grinding grain and were often centers of community activity.

Stover-Winger Farm: Another Important Farm

The Stover-Winger Farm near Greencastle was added in 1979. It's another example of a farm that has played a role in the county's history.

White House Inn: A Historic Lodging

The White House Inn in Peters Township, listed in 1986, was once an inn where people could stay. Inns were like hotels of the past, offering food and lodging to travelers.

Woodland: A Historic Estate

Woodland in St. Thomas Township, added in 1973, is a historic estate. These large properties often have interesting stories about the families who lived there.

Important Public Buildings

Franklin County also has historic public buildings that served the community.

Borough Hall of Waynesboro: A Town's Center

The Borough Hall of the Borough of Waynesboro was listed in 1980. This building has been a central place for the town's government and community events for many years.

Franklin County Courthouse: The Heart of Justice

The Franklin County Courthouse in Chambersburg, listed in 1974, is where important legal decisions have been made for generations. It's a symbol of justice and local government.

Franklin County Jail: An Old Prison

The Franklin County Jail in Chambersburg, added in 1970, is an old prison building. It tells a part of the county's history related to law and order.

Masonic Temple: A Place for Community

The Masonic Temple in Chambersburg, listed in 1976, is a building used by the Masons, a fraternal organization. It has been a place for community gatherings and activities.

Waynesboro Armory: Military History

The Waynesboro Armory, added in 1989, is a building that was used by the military. Armories are important for understanding local military history and community defense.

Historic Bridges

Bridges are crucial for connecting communities. Franklin County has several historic bridges on the list.

Bridge between Guilford and Hamilton Townships: Connecting Communities

This Bridge between Guilford and Hamilton Townships was listed in 1988. It crosses the Conococheague Creek and has been an important link for travelers for many years.

Bridge in Metal Township: Crossing West Branch Conococheague Creek

The Bridge in Metal Township, added in 1988, crosses the West Branch Conococheague Creek. It's a historic structure that shows older bridge-building techniques.

Horse Valley Bridge: A Historic Crossing

The Horse Valley Bridge in Letterkenny Township, listed in 1988, crosses the Conodoguinet Creek. It's another example of a historic bridge that has served the community for decades.

Martin's Mill Covered Bridge: A Beautiful Covered Bridge

The Martin's Mill Covered Bridge in Antrim Township is a beautiful example of a covered bridge. Listed in 1974, these bridges are special because they are rare and show old building styles.

McClay's Twin Bridge (East) and (West): Double the History

These two bridges, McClay's Twin Bridge (East) and McClay's Twin Bridge (West), near Middle Spring, were both listed in 1988. They cross parts of the Conodoguinet Creek and are unique because they are a pair.

Welty's Mill Bridge: A Bridge Near a Mill

The Welty's Mill Bridge south of Waynesboro, listed in 1983, is another historic bridge. It's often found near old mills, which were important centers of activity.

Yeakle's Mill Bridge: Crossing Little Cove Creek

The Yeakle's Mill Bridge in Warren Township, added in 1988, crosses Little Cove Creek. It's a testament to the engineering of the past.

Historic Districts: Whole Neighborhoods Preserved

Sometimes, not just one building, but a whole area is considered historic. These are called historic districts.

Chambersburg Historic District: A Town's Core

The Chambersburg Historic District, listed in 1982, covers a large part of downtown Chambersburg. It includes many old buildings that together tell the story of the town's development.

Franklin Furnace Historic District: An Industrial Village

The Franklin Furnace Historic District near Edenville, added in 1991, was once an iron furnace village. It shows how industrial communities were built long ago.

Greencastle Historic District: A Charming Town Center

The Greencastle Historic District, listed in 1992, includes many historic buildings in the heart of Greencastle. It helps preserve the charming character of the town.

Hays Bridge Historic District: A Rural Historic Area

The Hays Bridge Historic District east of Mercersburg, added in 1978, is a rural historic area. It includes a bridge and surrounding land that show how rural communities developed.

Irwinton Historic District: A Small Historic Area

The Irwinton Historic District in Montgomery Township was listed in 2012. It's a smaller historic area that helps preserve a specific part of the county's past.

Mercersburg Historic District: A Historic Town Center

The Mercersburg Historic District, listed in 1978, covers the main historic parts of Mercersburg. It includes many buildings that show the town's long history.

Monterey Historic District: A Mountain Resort Area

The Monterey Historic District near Blue Ridge Summit, added in 1976, was once a popular mountain resort area. It shows how people used to vacation and relax.

Rock Hill Farm: A Large Historic Farm Area

The Rock Hill Farm near Mercersburg, listed in 1999, is a large historic farm area. It helps preserve the agricultural landscape and history of the region.

Townhouse Row: Historic Homes in Chambersburg

Townhouse Row in Chambersburg, added in 1978, is a group of historic townhouses. These buildings show the style of homes built in urban areas long ago.

Wilson College: A Historic Campus

Wilson College in Chambersburg, listed in 1995, is a historic college campus. It includes many old buildings that have been part of the college's history for a long time.

Other Notable Historic Places

Carrick Furnace: An Old Iron Furnace

The Carrick Furnace north of Metal, listed in 1991, is the remains of an old iron furnace. These furnaces were very important for making iron in early America.

Chambersburg and Bedford Turnpike Road Company Toll House: A Roadside Stop

This Toll House west of St. Thomas, added in 1978, was where travelers paid a fee to use a turnpike (an early type of highway). It's a reminder of how travel used to be.

Alexander Hamilton House: A Historic Library Building

The Alexander Hamilton House in Waynesboro, listed in 1980, is now a library. It's a great example of a historic building being used for a modern purpose.

Harbaugh's Reformed Church: A Place of Worship

Harbaugh's Reformed Church in Washington Township, added in 2002, is a historic church. Churches often serve as important community centers and hold much local history.

Robert Kennedy Memorial Presbyterian Church: A Community Church

The Robert Kennedy Memorial Presbyterian Church in Montgomery Township, listed in 2009, is another historic church. It has been a place of worship and community gathering for many years.

Old Brown's Mill School: A One-Room Schoolhouse

The Old Brown's Mill School near Kauffman, added in 1973, is a historic one-room schoolhouse. Imagine all the children who learned to read and write here!

Red Run Lodge: A Historic Retreat

The Red Run Lodge near Rouzerville, listed in 1996, was likely a place for people to relax and enjoy nature. It shows how people spent their leisure time in the past.

Rocky Spring Presbyterian Church: An Old Stone Church

The Rocky Spring Presbyterian Church in Letterkenny Township, added in 1994, is a beautiful old stone church. It has a long history of serving its congregation.

Memorial Fountain and Statue: A Town's Tribute

The Memorial Fountain and Statue in Chambersburg's Memorial Square, listed in 1978, is a monument that honors important events or people. It's a central feature of the town.

These are just some of the many fascinating places in Franklin County that are protected for their historical value. Each one helps us learn more about the past and appreciate the rich heritage of Pennsylvania.