National Register of Historic Places listings in Greene County, Iowa facts for kids
Welcome to Greene County, Iowa! Did you know that many special places here are protected because of their history? This list tells you about buildings, areas, and even parts of old roads in Greene County that are 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 to find and protect important places across the country. When a place is on this list, it means it has a unique story or is a great example of how people lived or built things in the past. It helps us remember and learn from history.
In Greene County, there are 17 different places that have made it onto this important list. Let's explore some of them!
Contents
Historic Buildings and Landmarks
Greene County is home to several buildings that tell us about its past. These places show us how people lived, worked, and gathered in earlier times.
Jefferson's Old Train Station
The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Depot-Jefferson is an old train station located at 507 E. Lincoln Way in Jefferson. It was added to the National Register on September 30, 1994. Train stations were once very busy places. They connected towns and helped people and goods travel across the country. This station reminds us of a time when trains were the main way to get around.
The Unique Gallup House
Have you ever seen an octagon-shaped house? The George H. Gallup House is one such interesting building! It's located at 703 S. Chestnut Street in Jefferson. This house was listed on July 18, 1985. It's special because of its unusual eight-sided design, which was a popular but rare style of building in the past.
Greene County Courthouse
The Greene County Courthouse is a very important building in Jefferson. You can find it at E. Lincoln Way and Chestnut Street. This courthouse was added to the National Register on December 14, 1978. Courthouses are where local government decisions are made and where many important records are kept. This building has been a central part of the community for a long time.
St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Cedar
Farther out in the county, you'll find St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Cedar. It's located about 4 miles west of Churdan. This historic church was added to the list on July 10, 1992. Churches like St. Patrick's were often the heart of rural communities, serving as places for worship and social gatherings.
Jefferson Square Commercial Historic District
The Jefferson Square Commercial Historic District is not just one building, but a whole area! It includes the Courthouse Square and the blocks around it in Jefferson. This district was recognized on November 22, 2011. It's important because it shows what a busy town center looked like in the past, with many historic shops and buildings together.
Lincoln Statue in Jefferson
In Jefferson, at the corner of Lincoln Way and Chestnut Street, stands the Lincoln Statue. This statue was added to the National Register on March 29, 1993. It honors Abraham Lincoln, one of America's most famous presidents. Statues like this help us remember important figures and moments in history.
The Historic Lincoln Highway
A big part of Greene County's history is tied to the Lincoln Highway. This was one of the very first roads that went all the way across the United States! Many parts of this old road in Greene County are now protected as historic places.
Markers and Segments
Along the Lincoln Highway, you can find special Lincoln Highway Markers. These markers helped travelers find their way. Two of these markers in Jefferson were added to the National Register on March 29, 1993. One of them, at the junction of Lincoln Way and Chestnut Street, has unfortunately been moved or lost.
Several parts of the old Lincoln Highway itself are also historic. These include:
- Lincoln Highway-Buttrick's Creek Abandoned Segment: This old part of the road is about 3.5 miles east of Jefferson. It was added to the list on March 29, 1993.
- Lincoln Highway-Buttrick's Creek to Grand Junction Segment: This section runs from Buttrick's Creek east to Iowa Highway 144 near Grand Junction. It became historic on March 29, 1993.
- Lincoln Highway-Grand Junction Segment: This part goes through and east of Grand Junction. It was listed on March 29, 1993.
- Lincoln Highway-Little Beaver Creek Bridge: This bridge, located 2.5 miles east and 1 mile north of Grand Junction, crosses Little Beaver Creek. It was added on March 29, 1993.
- Lincoln Highway-Raccoon River Rural Segment: This section is west of Jefferson and crosses the Raccoon River. It was listed on March 29, 1993.
- Lincoln Highway-West Beaver Creek Abandoned Segment: This part is about 1 mile east of Grand Junction. It was added on March 29, 1993.
- Lincoln Highway-West Greene County Rural Segment: This section is near Scranton. It was listed on March 29, 1993.
These segments and markers help us imagine what it was like to travel across the country before modern highways existed. They are like open-air museums of transportation history!
Parks and Natural Areas
Even natural areas can be historic!
Squirrel Hollow County Park Historic District
The Squirrel Hollow County Park Historic District is located on the eastern bank of the North Raccoon River southeast of Jefferson. This park area was added to the National Register on December 23, 1991. Parks like this are important for their natural beauty and for providing places for people to relax and enjoy nature, just as they did many years ago.
Images for kids
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The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Depot in Jefferson.
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The unique George H. Gallup House in Jefferson.
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The Greene County Courthouse in Jefferson.
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A view of the Jefferson Square Commercial Historic District.
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A segment of the historic Lincoln Highway near Buttrick's Creek.
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Another part of the Lincoln Highway, from Buttrick's Creek to Grand Junction.
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A Lincoln Highway Marker in Grand Junction.
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The Lincoln Highway bridge over Little Beaver Creek.
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The Lincoln Highway crossing the Raccoon River.
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An abandoned segment of the Lincoln Highway near West Beaver Creek.
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A Lincoln Highway marker in West Greene County.
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The Lincoln Statue in Jefferson.
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St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Cedar.
