National Register of Historic Places listings in Indiana County, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Welcome to Indiana County, Pennsylvania! Did you know that many special places here are protected because of their history? These places are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's like a special club for buildings, bridges, and even whole neighborhoods that are important to the history of the United States.
When a place is on this list, it means it has a unique story to tell about our past. It could be an old house where someone famous lived, a building with amazing architecture, or a site where important events happened. In Indiana County, there are 24 such places! Let's explore some of them and learn why they are so special.
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What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation's historic places worth saving. It's managed by the National Park Service. When a place is added to this list, it helps people understand its importance and encourages its protection. It's a way to make sure these valuable parts of our history are preserved for future generations, like you!
Historic Buildings and Homes in Indiana County
Many of the places on the National Register in Indiana County are historic buildings. These structures show us how people lived, worked, and built things in the past.
Breezedale: A University Landmark
One interesting spot is Breezedale, located right on the Indiana University of Pennsylvania campus in Indiana, Pennsylvania. This beautiful building was added to the National Register in 1979. It's a key part of the university's history and a great example of older architecture. Imagine all the students and professors who have walked through its doors over the years!
Old Train Stations and Markets
Travel back in time with the Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh Railway Indiana Passenger Station. This old train station, built in 1993, is in Indiana, Pennsylvania. Train stations were once busy hubs where people traveled and goods were shipped. This station reminds us of a time when trains were a main way to get around.
Another cool place is Graff's Market, also in Indiana, Pennsylvania. Listed in 1980, this market building tells a story about how people bought and sold food and other items long ago. Markets were central to community life, and this one shows us a piece of that history.
Important Houses and Public Buildings
The Silas M. Clark House and the James Mitchell House are two more historic homes in Indiana, Pennsylvania. These houses, listed in 1978, give us a glimpse into the lives of important people and the architectural styles of their time.
Public buildings also hold a lot of history. The Indiana Borough 1912 Municipal Building in Indiana, Pennsylvania, added in 1983, served as a center for local government. And the Old Indiana County Courthouse, listed in 1974, was where many important decisions for the county were made. Right next to it is the Old Indiana County Jail and Sheriff's Office, added in 1979, which tells a different kind of story about law and order in the past.
Historic Districts: Whole Neighborhoods with Stories
Sometimes, it's not just one building that's historic, but a whole area! These are called historic districts. They include many buildings that together create a sense of a past era.
Downtown Indiana Historic District
The Downtown Indiana Historic District in Indiana, Pennsylvania, listed in 1993, covers a large part of the town center. When you walk through this district, you can see many old buildings that show what the town looked like decades ago. It's like stepping back in time!
Commodore and Saltsburg Historic Districts
The Commodore Historic District in Green Township, added in 1994, and the Saltsburg Historic District in Saltsburg, Pennsylvania, listed in 1992, are other examples. These districts help preserve the unique character and history of these communities. They show how towns grew and changed over time.
Unique Historic Sites
Beyond buildings, other types of structures and sites are also considered historically important.
Covered Bridges: A Glimpse into the Past
Indiana County is home to several charming covered bridges. These bridges, like Harmon's Covered Bridge, Kintersburg Covered Bridge, Thomas Covered Bridge, and Trusal Covered Bridge, were all added to the National Register in 1979. Covered bridges were built to protect the wooden parts of the bridge from weather, making them last longer. They are beautiful reminders of older engineering and craftsmanship.
Eliza Furnace: An Industrial Relic
The Eliza Furnace, located west of Vintondale in Buffington Township, is a fascinating industrial site. Listed in 1991, this furnace was used to make iron. It's a cool example of early American industry and how raw materials were turned into useful products.
Images for kids
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Blairsville Armory
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Bridge in West Wheatfield Township
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Sen. Joseph O. Clark House
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Commodore Historic District
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George Diehl Homestead
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Graff's Market
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Harmon's Covered Bridge
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Indiana Armory
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Indiana Borough 1912 Municipal Building
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Kintersburg Covered Bridge
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John B. McCormick House
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James Mitchell House
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St. Peter's Episcopal Church and Rectory
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Saltsburg Historic District
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John Sutton Hall
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Thomas Covered Bridge
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Trusal Covered Bridge
