National Register of Historic Places listings in Howard County, Missouri facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about old buildings or special places in your town? Some of these places are so important that they are officially recognized and protected! In Howard County, Missouri, there are many such places listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a special list kept by the United States government. It helps us remember and protect buildings, sites, and objects that are important to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture.
When a place is added to this list, it means it has a unique story to tell about the past. It could be an old house where famous people lived, a church that saw many important events, or even a whole neighborhood that looks like it did long ago. Being on this list helps make sure these places are preserved for future generations, like you, to learn from and enjoy. In Howard County, there are 25 different properties and areas that are on this special list.
Contents
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation's historic places worthy of preservation. It's part of a program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America's historic and archaeological resources. Think of it as a hall of fame for important places!
Why are places listed?
Places are listed for many reasons. They might be:
- Important for History: A place where a big event happened, or where someone famous lived or worked.
- Special Design: A building that shows a unique style of architecture or was designed by a famous architect.
- Archaeological Sites: Places where we can find clues about how people lived long ago, like ancient villages or tools.
- Cultural Significance: A place that is important to a certain group of people or has a special meaning in their traditions.
When a place is listed, it gets some benefits, like possibly being eligible for grants to help with its upkeep. It also brings attention to the history of the area.
Historic Places in Howard County
Howard County is rich in history, and its historic places tell many stories about Missouri's past. Let's look at some examples of the types of places you can find on the National Register here.
Historic Homes and Buildings
Many of the listings in Howard County are historic homes or other buildings. These places often show us how people lived and worked many years ago.
Edwin and Nora Payne Bedford House
The Edwin and Nora Payne Bedford House is located in Fayette. This house was added to the list in 1998. It's an example of a historic home that helps us understand the lives of people from the past in Fayette.
Cedar Grove
West of Franklin, you can find Cedar Grove. This property was listed in 1982. Old homes like Cedar Grove often have unique architectural styles and stories about the families who lived there for generations.
Finks-Harvey Plantation
The Finks-Harvey Plantation, west of Roanoke, was added to the list in 1978. Plantations were large farms in the past, and their buildings can tell us about agricultural history and the people who worked on them.
Prior Jackson Homeplace
South of Fayette, the Prior Jackson Homeplace was listed in 1980. This home is another example of a significant residential property that holds historical value for the area.
Alfred W. Morrison House
Also near Fayette, the Alfred W. Morrison House was recognized in 1969. This house is important because of its connection to Alfred W. Morrison, a notable figure in the region's history.
Thomas Hickman House
In New Franklin, the Thomas Hickman House was listed in 2006. This house represents the history of early settlers and their contributions to the community.
Important Public Buildings
Howard County also has several public buildings on the list, which often served as important centers for community life.
Campbell Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church
In Glasgow, the Campbell Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church was listed in 1997. Churches are often central to a community's history, serving as places of worship, gathering, and social support for many years. This church is especially important for its role in the African American community.
Glasgow Presbyterian Church
Another significant church in Glasgow is the Glasgow Presbyterian Church, listed in 1982. Its architecture and long history make it a valuable part of the town's heritage.
Glasgow Public Library
The Glasgow Public Library, listed in 1969, is a beautiful example of a historic public building. Libraries are often much more than just places to read books; they are community hubs and symbols of education and knowledge.
St. Mary's Episcopal Church
In Fayette, St. Mary's Episcopal Church was added to the list in 1982. Like other historic churches, it tells a story of faith and community development in the area.
Historic Districts
Sometimes, it's not just one building that's historic, but a whole area! These are called Historic Districts. They include several buildings or sites that together create a sense of a past era.
Central Methodist College Campus Historic District
The campus of Central Methodist University in Fayette is a historic district, listed in 1980. This means that many of the buildings on the campus are considered historically important, showing the growth and development of the university over time.
Fayette Courthouse Square Historic District
The area around the courthouse in Fayette is also a historic district, listed in 1998. This district includes many buildings that were important for business and government in the town's early days. It helps us imagine what the town center looked like long ago.
Glasgow Commercial Historic District
In Glasgow, the Commercial Historic District was listed in 1992. This area includes old shops and businesses that show how commerce and daily life happened in the past. Walking through it is like taking a step back in time!
New Franklin Commercial Historic District
Similarly, the New Franklin Commercial Historic District was recognized in 2013. This district highlights the historic business center of New Franklin.
Other Unique Historic Sites
Some places are listed because they are unique sites, not just buildings.
Boone's Lick State Historic Site
One very important site is Boone's Lick State Historic Site, listed in 1969. This park is famous for its salt springs, which were very important to early settlers and Native Americans. It's a place where you can learn about the natural resources that drew people to this area centuries ago.
Fayette City Park Swimming Pool
Even a swimming pool can be historic! The Fayette City Park Swimming Pool was listed in 1999. Sometimes, structures like this are important because of their design, how they were built, or their role in community recreation history.
More Historic Places in Howard County
Besides the ones mentioned above, Howard County has many other fascinating places on the National Register of Historic Places. These include:
- Coleman Hall in Fayette
- Greenwood in Fayette
- Harris-Chilton-Ruble House in New Franklin
- Inglewood in Glasgow
- Oakwood in Fayette
- Rivercene in New Franklin
- South Main Street Historic District in Fayette
- Dr. Uriel S. Wright Office in Fayette
Each of these places has its own unique story and contributes to the rich history of Howard County. Exploring them can be a great way to connect with the past and understand how your community grew and changed over time.
