National Register of Historic Places listings in Grant County, Indiana facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about the oldest and most important buildings and places in your area? In Grant County, Indiana, there are many special spots that are officially recognized for their history! These places are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The National Register of Historic Places is like a special list kept by the United States government. It helps protect and celebrate buildings, sites, and objects that are important to our country's history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. When a place is on this list, it means it's a valuable part of our past that we should try to keep safe for the future.
In Grant County, there are 20 different places and areas on this list. One of them is even more special and is called a National Historic Landmark! These places can be found in cities like Marion, Fairmount, and Gas City, or in the quieter townships around the county. Let's explore some of these amazing historic sites!
Historic Gems in Grant County
Fairmount's Special Places
Fairmount is a town with a lot of history! Several of its areas and buildings are on the National Register.
Baldwin Addition Historic District
This historic district includes a section along Main Street in Fairmount. It's a collection of buildings that show what the town looked like in the past. It was added to the list in 1999.
Fairmount Commercial Historic District
This district covers the main business area of Fairmount. It includes many old shops and buildings that tell the story of how the town grew. It became a historic district in 1999.
J.W. Patterson House
The J.W. Patterson House is a beautiful old home located on East Washington Street in Fairmount. It was added to the National Register in 1979, and later, more of the property was included in 1985.
Gas City's Landmark Buildings
Gas City also has some cool historic buildings that are worth checking out!
Gas City High School
This old high school building at 400 East South A Street was an important place for education in Gas City for many years. It was added to the National Register in 2004, recognizing its historical value.
Thompson-Ray House
The Thompson-Ray House is another historic home in Gas City, located on East Main Street. It was recognized for its history and added to the National Register in 2009.
West Ward School
The West Ward School, found on West North A Street, is another former school building in Gas City. It was listed on the National Register in 1985, showing its importance to the community's past.
Marion's Historic Treasures
As the county seat, Marion has many significant historic buildings and districts.
Grant County Jail and Sheriff's Residence
This building, located on East 3rd Street, served as both the county jail and the sheriff's home. It's a unique piece of history that shows how law enforcement operated in the past. It was added to the National Register in 1990.
Abijah C. Jay House
The Abijah C. Jay House is a historic home on West 7th Street in Marion. It was recognized for its architectural and historical importance in 2003.
Marion Branch, National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers Historic District
This large historic district on East 38th Street was once a home for soldiers who had served in wars. It's a very important site that tells the story of how the country cared for its veterans. It was added to the National Register in 1999.
Marion Downtown Commercial Historic District
The heart of downtown Marion, roughly bordered by 7th, 2nd, Branson, and Gallatin Streets, is a historic district. This area shows the growth and development of Marion's businesses and community over many years. It was listed in 1994.
Aaron Swayzee House
The Aaron Swayzee House is another historic residence in Marion, found on North Washington Street. It was added to the National Register in 1983.
George, Jr. and Marie Daugherty Webster House
This house on South Washington Street is very special because it's a National Historic Landmark! It's known for its unique design and its connection to Marie Webster, a famous quilt designer. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1992.
J. Woodrow Wilson House
The J. Woodrow Wilson House, located on West 4th Street in Marion, is another historic home that was added to the National Register in 1988.
Rural Grant County's Historic Sites
Even outside the main towns, Grant County has important historic places!
Cumberland Covered Bridge
This beautiful covered bridge crosses the Mississinewa River and is located between Jefferson Township and Matthews. Covered bridges are rare and special, and this one was added to the National Register in 1978.
Israel Jenkins House
The Israel Jenkins House is a historic home located southeast of Marion in Monroe Township. It was recognized for its historical significance in 2003.
Meshingomesia Cemetery and Indian School Historic District
Northeast of Jalapa, in Pleasant Township, you'll find this important historic district. It includes a cemetery and an old Indian school, telling a significant part of the area's Native American history. It was added to the National Register in 2013.
Woodside (Dr. Richard Davis House)
North of Marion, in Washington Township, is a unique home called Woodside, also known as the Dr. Richard Davis House. It's special because it was designed by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright! It was added to the National Register in 1997.
These historic places in Grant County are like windows into the past. They help us understand how people lived, worked, and built communities many years ago. Visiting them can be a great way to connect with history!