National Register of Historic Places listings in Hickman County, Tennessee facts for kids
This page is about special places in Hickman County, Tennessee that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These are important buildings, areas, or sites that are worth protecting because of their history.
The National Register of Historic Places is like a special list kept by the United States government. It helps to find and protect places that are important to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture. When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized as a valuable part of our past.
In Hickman County, Tennessee, there are 11 places currently on this list. There were once two more, but they have since been removed. You can often see where these places are on a map using their latitude and longitude coordinates.
Contents
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of places in the United States that are considered important to our country's history. These places could be buildings, structures, objects, sites, or even whole districts. Being on the list helps to save these places for future generations to learn from and enjoy.
Why are places listed?
Places are listed for many reasons. They might be very old, show a special way of building, or be connected to important events or people. For example, a house where a famous person lived, a battlefield, or an old factory could all be listed.
How does it help?
When a place is on the National Register, it gets special recognition. This can help protect it from being torn down or changed too much. It can also make it easier for owners to get grants or tax benefits to help take care of these historic properties.
Historic Places in Hickman County
Hickman County has several interesting places on the National Register. These sites tell us stories about the county's past, from old health resorts to important industrial sites.
Bon Aqua Springs Historic District
The Bon Aqua Springs Historic District is located southeast of Bon Aqua. This area was once a popular health resort. People would visit the springs, believing the water had healing powers. It was a place where people came to relax and get well a long time ago. This district was added to the list in 1990.
John Gordon House
The John Gordon House is a historic home located northwest of Williamsport. This house is an example of early architecture in the area. It was recognized for its historical value and added to the National Register in 1974.
Old Furnaces and Industrial Sites
Hickman County was once home to several important iron furnaces. These furnaces were like big ovens used to melt iron ore and make iron. This was a very important industry in the past. Several of these old furnace sites are listed on the National Register, even though their exact addresses are kept private to protect them.
- Lee and Gould Furnace (40HI125): Located near Bucksnort, this furnace site tells us about the early iron industry. It was listed in 1988.
- New Aetna Furnace Historic District (40HI149): This district near Aetna includes the remains of a newer iron furnace. It was added in 1988.
- Oakland Furnace and Forge (40HI146): Found near Texas Hollow, this site includes both a furnace and a forge, where metal was shaped. It was listed in 1988.
- Old Aetna Furnace (40HI148): Also near Aetna, this is an older furnace site. It was listed in 1988.
- Standard Furnace (40HI145): Located near Nunnelly, this is another important iron furnace site from the past. It was added to the list in 1988.
These furnace sites are important because they show how people used to make iron, which was a key material for many things, from tools to train tracks.
Old Natchez Trace
The Old Natchez Trace is a historic travel route that stretches from Alabama through Tennessee. A part of this ancient path runs through Hickman County. It was originally a path used by Native Americans, then by European settlers, traders, and soldiers. It's a very long historic trail that connects many counties and was listed in 1975.
Primm Springs Historic District
Similar to Bon Aqua Springs, the Primm Springs Historic District near Primm Springs was another area known for its mineral springs. People believed these springs had health benefits, making it a popular spot for visitors. This district was listed in 1985.
Shelby Bend Archeological District
The Shelby Bend Archeological District near Greenfield Bend is a special area where archaeologists have found important clues about how people lived long ago. An archeological district means there are many old artifacts or remains buried there. This district also extends into Maury County, Tennessee. It was added to the list in 1990.
James Buchanan Walker House
The James Buchanan Walker House is a historic home in Centerville. This house is a good example of the architecture from its time. It was listed on the National Register in 1989.
Former Listings
Sometimes, a property might be removed from the National Register. This can happen if the property is destroyed or changed so much that it loses its historical importance.
- Fairview School in Centerville was once listed in 1983 but was removed in 2009.
- Pinewood near Nunnelly was listed in 1971 but was removed in 1975 because it was destroyed that year.
Images for kids
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The historic John Gordon House in Hickman County.
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The James Buchanan Walker House in Centerville.
