National Register of Historic Places listings in Hardin County, Kentucky facts for kids
Hey there! Did you know that all across the United States, there are special places, buildings, and even whole neighborhoods that are super important to history? These places are listed on something called the National Register of Historic Places. It's like a special club for historic sites!
In Hardin County, Kentucky, where places like Elizabethtown and Fort Knox are located, there are lots of these amazing historic spots. This list helps us keep track of them. When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized for its historical value and is often protected so future generations can learn from it.
Hardin County has 90 properties and areas on the National Register. One property was on the list but has since been removed. Let's explore some of these cool places!
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation's historic places that are worth saving. It's part of a program by the National Park Service. When a building, site, structure, object, or district is added to the Register, it gets special recognition. This helps people understand how important these places are to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture.
Being on the Register can also help protect these places. For example, if a project uses federal money, it has to consider how it might affect a listed historic site. It also encourages people to preserve these places and can sometimes help them get grants or tax benefits for restoration.
Historic Places in Hardin County
Hardin County is full of history, and many of its buildings and areas tell stories from the past. Let's look at a few examples of the types of places you can find on the National Register here.
Important Homes and Buildings
Many of the listings in Hardin County are historic homes. These houses often show us how people lived long ago and what kind of architecture was popular. For example, the Brown Pusey House Community Center in Elizabethtown is a beautiful old building that now serves the community. It was added to the Register in 1974.
Another interesting home is the Lincoln Heritage House. This house is north of Elizabethtown near Freeman Lake. It's a reminder of the early days of Kentucky and its connection to famous figures like Abraham Lincoln's family.
You'll also find several other historic homes like the J. Roy Bond House, Benjamin Helm House, and Jonathan Hills House in Elizabethtown. These homes often have unique designs and stories behind the families who lived there.
Churches and Community Spots
Churches are often central to a community's history. The Christ Episcopal Church and the First Baptist Church in Elizabethtown are both on the Register, showing their long-standing importance to the town's spiritual and social life. The Embry Chapel Church is another example, highlighting the diverse history of the area.
The Elizabethtown Armory is also listed. Armories are buildings where military reserves or National Guard units train and store equipment. This one tells a story about the town's role in national defense.
Historic Districts and Areas
Sometimes, it's not just one building that's historic, but a whole group of buildings or an entire area. These are called historic districts.
The Elizabethtown Courthouse Square and Commercial District is a great example. This area includes the old courthouse and surrounding businesses, showing what the town's center looked like and how it grew over time.
Other historic districts include the Bethlehem Academy Historic District near St. John, the Glendale Historic District, and the Vine Grove Historic District. These districts preserve the unique character and history of these towns. The West Point Historic District is another important one, covering a large part of the historic town of West Point.
Forts and Military History
Hardin County also has important military history. Fort Duffield near West Point is a historic fort that played a role in the Civil War. It's a great place to learn about military strategies and life during that time.
And, of course, there's the famous United States Bullion Depository at Fort Knox. This super-secure vault is where a large part of the United States' gold reserves are kept. It's a very unique and well-known landmark!
Other Notable Sites
The Elizabethtown City Cemetery is also on the Register. Cemeteries can be very historic, telling stories through their gravestones and the people buried there.
The State Theatre in Elizabethtown is another interesting listing. Old theaters often have beautiful architecture and were once important places for entertainment and community gatherings.
This list helps us appreciate the rich history of Hardin County and encourages everyone to learn more about these special places.
Images for kids
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The J. Roy Bond House in Elizabethtown.
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The Brown Pusey House Community Center.
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Christ Episcopal Church.
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The Elizabethtown Armory.
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Gravestones in the Elizabethtown City Cemetery.
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The Hardin County Courthouse, part of the Elizabethtown Courthouse Square and Commercial District.
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Embry Chapel Church.
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The First Baptist Church.
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The First Presbyterian Church.
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Fort Duffield.
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Helm Place.
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The Benjamin Helm House.
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The John B. Helm House.
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The Jonathan Hills House.
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The W.T. Kerrick House.
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The Larue-Layman House.
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The Lincoln Heritage House.
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The David L. May House.
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The McKinney-Helm House.
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The Alexander Montgomery House, part of the Montgomery Avenue Historic District.
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The William Montgomery House.
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Morrison Lodge.
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The Dr. Robert B. Pusey House.
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The Stephen Rawlings House.
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The Samuel Robertson House.
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The State Theatre.
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The Samuel B. Thomas House.
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The United States Bullion Depository at Fort Knox.
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The Old Post Office in Elizabethtown.
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The Eliza Vertrees House.
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The William Wilson House.
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The Horatio Wintersmith House.
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The George Woodard House.
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