kids encyclopedia robot

National Register of Historic Places listings in Grayson County, Texas facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Map of Texas highlighting Grayson County
Grayson County is in Texas!

Have you ever wondered about the old buildings and special places in your town? In Grayson County, Texas, there are many such places! These sites are so important that they are listed on something called the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect buildings, objects, and areas that are special because of their history or how they look.

Discovering History in Grayson County

Grayson County is full of amazing history, and many of its important places are officially recognized. The National Register of Historic Places is like a special club for buildings and areas that tell a story about the past. When a place is on this list, it means it's worth preserving for future generations.

What is the National Register of Historic Places?

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the United States' historic places. It includes buildings, structures, objects, sites, and districts. These places are important for their history, their architecture, or what they represent. Being on the list helps protect them and sometimes makes them eligible for special grants.

Why are these places important?

These historic places help us learn about the past. They show us how people lived, worked, and built things long ago. In Grayson County, some of these sites are also "Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks." This means the state of Texas also recognizes their special value. One place is even a "State Historic Site," which means it's owned and cared for by the state.

Historic Treasures in Grayson County

Grayson County has nine places currently on the National Register of Historic Places. These include houses, business buildings, and even a whole historic area! Let's explore some of them.

Homes with Stories

Several houses in Grayson County are listed because of their unique history or architecture.

The Capt. Noble Allan Birge House

This historic house is located in Sherman, Texas. It was built a long time ago and is named after Captain Noble Allan Birge. It's a great example of the homes from that time period.

The George Braun House

You can find the George Braun House in Denison, Texas. This house also has a special history, showing how people lived in Denison many years ago.

The Umphress-Taylor House

In Van Alstyne, Texas, stands the Umphress-Taylor House. This home is another important piece of Grayson County's past, reflecting the styles and lives of its original owners.

Important Public Buildings

Some buildings are important because they served the community in big ways.

The Old Sherman Public Library

The former library building in Sherman is a beautiful historic spot. Libraries are places where people learn and connect, and this old building holds many memories for the community.

The Sherman US Post Office and Courthouse

This grand building in Sherman served as both a post office and a courthouse. It's where important mail was handled and where legal decisions were made for the area. It shows the importance of government services in the past.

Historic Business Places

Even old business buildings can be historic! They show us how towns grew and how people earned a living.

The Hall Furniture Building

Located in Sherman, the Hall Furniture Building was once a busy store. It reminds us of the businesses that helped shape the town's economy.

The Ernst Martin Kohl Building

In Denison, the Ernst Martin Kohl Building is another example of a historic business place. These buildings often have unique architectural styles that tell us about the time they were built.

A Whole Historic Area: Denison Commercial Historic District

Sometimes, it's not just one building, but a whole group of buildings that are historic! The Denison Commercial Historic District includes many old shops and businesses in downtown Denison. Walking through this area is like stepping back in time to see how the town's main street looked and felt.

The Birthplace of a President!

One of the most famous historic places in Grayson County is the Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site.

Dwight D. Eisenhower's Childhood Home

This special house in Denison is where Dwight D. Eisenhower, who later became the 34th President of the United States, was born! It's now a State Historic Site, which means it's preserved and open for visitors to learn about his early life. It's amazing to think a future president started his life right here in Grayson County!

What About Former Listings?

Sometimes, a place might be removed from the National Register of Historic Places. This can happen for different reasons, like if the building is torn down or changed so much that it no longer looks like it did historically.

The Clifton House Hotel

The Clifton House Hotel in Denison was once on the list, but it is no longer there. This shows that while we try to protect historic places, sometimes they can be lost. It reminds us why it's so important to care for the ones that are still standing!

Images for kids

kids search engine
National Register of Historic Places listings in Grayson County, Texas Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.