National Register of Historic Places listings in Grundy County, Illinois facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about the special places in your community that tell a story about the past? In Grundy County, Illinois, there are several important spots that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a special list kept by the United States government. It helps protect buildings, areas, and objects that are important to history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture.
When a place is added to this list, it means it's recognized as a valuable part of our country's heritage. It helps people learn about the past and makes sure these places are preserved for future generations. Grundy County has 7 such places that are officially recognized! Let's explore some of them.
Historic Places in Grundy County
Grundy County is home to a variety of historic sites. These places show us different parts of history, from old buildings to natural areas with amazing fossils.
Coleman Hardware Company Building
The Coleman Hardware Company Building is located in Morris. It was added to the National Register in 1994. This building is a great example of the kind of shops that were important in towns many years ago. It reminds us of how people used to buy tools and supplies for their homes and farms.
Dresden Island Lock and Dam Historic District
The Dresden Island Lock and Dam Historic District is also near Morris. It was listed in 2004. A lock and dam system helps boats travel safely on rivers, even when the water level changes. This particular lock and dam is part of the Illinois Waterway. It shows how engineers built amazing structures to help transport goods and people by water a long time ago.
Mazon Creek Fossil Beds
The Mazon Creek Fossil Beds are a super cool natural area in Wauponsee Township. This site was added to the National Register in 1997. It's famous for having some of the best-preserved fossils in the world! Scientists have found ancient plants and animals here that lived over 300 million years ago. Imagine finding a fossil of a creature that no longer exists! One of the most famous fossils found here is the "Tully Monster," which is Illinois's state fossil.
Morris Downtown Commercial Historic District
The Morris Downtown Commercial Historic District covers a large part of downtown Morris. It was recognized in 2006. This district includes many old buildings that were once shops, offices, and other businesses. Walking through this area is like taking a step back in time. You can see the different styles of architecture that were popular when these buildings were first built. It shows how the town of Morris grew and developed over the years.
Morris Wide Water Canal Boat Site
The Morris Wide Water Canal Boat Site is another important historical spot in Morris. It was listed in 2000. This site is connected to the Illinois and Michigan Canal. Canals were like man-made rivers that helped transport goods across the state before trains and highways were common. This particular spot was a wider part of the canal, likely used for boats to turn around or wait. It tells us about the important role canals played in connecting communities and moving products.
White and Company's Goose Lake Stoneware Manufactury
This site, located near Morris, was added to the National Register in 1998. A "manufactury" is an old word for a factory. This one made stoneware, which is a type of pottery. It shows how people used local resources, like clay from the Goose Lake area, to create useful items. This factory was an important part of the local economy many years ago.
White and Company's Goose Lake Tile Works
Also listed in 1998 and located near the stoneware manufactury, the Goose Lake Tile Works made tiles. Tiles were used for many things, like drainage in fields or for building materials. Both the stoneware and tile works show the industrial history of Grundy County and how people used their skills to create products that were needed by communities.
These historic places in Grundy County help us understand the past and appreciate the efforts of people who lived there long ago. They are important reminders of our shared history.
| Name on the Register | Image | Date listed | Location | City or town | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coleman Hardware Company Building |
 |
(#94000980) |
100 Nettle St. 41°21′24″N 88°25′45″W / 41.356667°N 88.429167°W |
Morris | |
| 2 | Dresden Island Lock and Dam Historic District |
 |
(#04000164) |
7521 N. Lock Rd. 41°23′52″N 88°16′56″W / 41.397778°N 88.282222°W |
Morris | |
| 3 | Mazon Creek Fossil Beds |
 |
(#97001272) |
Benson Rd., 3 mi. SE of Morris 41°19′38″N 88°21′50″W / 41.327222°N 88.363889°W |
Wauponsee Township | |
| 4 | Morris Downtown Commercial Historic District |
 |
(#05001603) |
Liberty St., roughly bounded by the RR, Illinois St., Fulton and Wauponsee Sts and Franklin 41°21′35″N 88°25′26″W / 41.359640°N 88.423875°W |
Morris | |
| 5 | Morris Wide Water Canal Boat Site |
 |
(#99001708) |
East Washington St. 41°21′59″N 88°24′12″W / 41.366389°N 88.403333°W |
Morris | |
| 6 | White and Company's Goose Lake Stoneware Manufactury |
 |
(#98000982) |
5010 N. Jugtown Rd. 41°20′50″N 88°19′19″W / 41.347222°N 88.321944°W |
Morris | |
| 7 | White and Company's Goose Lake Tile Works |
 |
(#98000976) |
5010 N. Jugtown Rd. 41°20′44″N 88°19′02″W / 41.345556°N 88.317222°W |
Morris |
