National Register of Historic Places listings in Harrison County, Texas facts for kids
Welcome to Harrison County, Texas! This area is home to many special places that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list kept by the United States government. It helps protect buildings, sites, and objects that are important to American history.
When a place is on this list, it means it has a unique story to tell. These stories can be about how people lived, worked, or important events that happened there. By learning about these places, we can better understand the past. Harrison County has many such treasures, mostly in the city of Marshall.
Contents
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is like a special hall of fame for old buildings and important sites. It is the official list of places in the United States that are worth saving. These places might be old houses, churches, schools, or even whole neighborhoods. They are chosen because they show us something important about history, architecture, or culture.
When a place is added to this list, it gets special recognition. It also helps people protect it from being torn down or changed too much. This way, future generations can also learn from and enjoy these historic spots.
Historic Homes in Harrison County
Many of the historic places in Harrison County are beautiful old homes. These houses were built a long time ago and show different styles of architecture. They tell us about the families who lived there and how life was in the past.
For example, the Arnot House on West Houston Street in Marshall was listed in 1979. It's a great example of the homes built in the late 1800s. The Fry-Barry House and the Hagerty House are other grand homes in Marshall. They were also added to the list in the late 1970s. Each house has its own unique design and history.
The Hochwald House on West Grand Avenue was listed in 1983. It stands out with its interesting design. Another important home is the Starr House on West Travis Street. It was listed in 1979 and has a rich family history connected to the area. These homes are like time capsules, showing us how people lived decades ago.
Important Public Buildings
Harrison County also has important public buildings on the National Register. These buildings often served the community in big ways. They include places where people gathered, learned, or conducted business.
The First Methodist Church in Marshall is one such building. It was listed in 1980. Churches are often central to a community's history and culture. The Old Harrison County Courthouse is another very important site. It sits on the Public Square in Marshall and was listed in 1977. Courthouses are where important decisions were made and laws were upheld.
The Marshall US Post Office is also on the list, added in 2001. Post offices were vital for communication and connecting communities. These public buildings show how towns grew and how services were provided to citizens long ago.
Historic Districts and Other Sites
Sometimes, not just one building, but a whole area is considered historic. This is called a historic district. The Ginocchio Historic District in Marshall was listed in 1974. This district includes several blocks with many old buildings. Walking through it is like stepping back in time. It shows how a part of the city looked and functioned many years ago.
Other unique sites include Locust Grove near Jonesville, listed in 1979. There's also Mimosa Hall south of Leigh, added in 1978. These places might be old plantations or estates with interesting stories. Even sites like the Marshall Arsenal, CSA, listed in 1976, are important. They remind us of different periods in history, like the Civil War.
These historic places are more than just old buildings. They are important parts of our shared past. They help us understand the people, events, and ways of life that shaped Harrison County and Texas.