National Register of Historic Places listings in Ingham County, Michigan facts for kids
This article is about the special buildings and places in Ingham County, Michigan that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of important spots in the county that have been recognized for their history and unique features.
The National Register of Historic Places is like a special club for buildings, sites, and objects in the United States that are important to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. When a place is added to this list, it means it's worth saving and protecting for future generations.
Ingham County has 52 places on this list! One of them is even a National Historic Landmark, which is an even higher honor for places that are super important to the entire country's history. You can see where some of these places are on a map if their exact location details are shared.
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 that are considered worthy of preservation. It's managed by the National Park Service. Being on the list helps protect these places and often makes them eligible for special grants or tax benefits to help keep them in good shape.
Historic Places in Ingham County
Ingham County is home to many fascinating historic buildings and areas. Let's explore a few examples of these special places.
Lansing's Historic Buildings
Lansing, the capital city of Michigan, has many buildings on the National Register. These places tell stories about the city's past.
Arbaugh's Department Store Building
The Arbaugh's Department Store Building is located at 401 S. Washington in Lansing. It was added to the National Register on July 20, 2007. This building was once a busy department store, a place where people would go to shop for all sorts of goods. It shows us what shopping was like long ago.
Capital Bank Tower (Boji Tower)
The Capital Bank Tower, now known as the Boji Tower, stands tall at 124 W. Allegan Street in Lansing. It joined the list on December 6, 2005. This impressive building is a landmark in the city's skyline and represents the growth and development of Lansing over the years.
Michigan State Capitol
The Michigan State Capitol building, located at Capitol and Michigan Avenues in Lansing, is a very important place. It was added to the National Register on January 25, 1971, and is also a National Historic Landmark! This means it's one of the most important historic places in the entire country. The Capitol is where Michigan's laws are made, and it's a beautiful example of classic architecture.
Ottawa Street Power Station
The Ottawa Street Power Station, found at 217 E. Ottawa Street in Lansing, was added to the list on November 26, 2008. This building was once a key part of providing electricity to the city. It's a great example of industrial history and how cities powered themselves in the past.
Grand Trunk Western Rail Station
The Grand Trunk Western Rail Station, also known as the Lansing Depot, is at 1203 S. Washington Avenue. It was listed on July 3, 1980. This old train station reminds us of a time when trains were a main way to travel and transport goods across the country.
Historic Places in Mason
Mason, the county seat of Ingham County, also has several historic sites.
Ingham County Courthouse
The Ingham County Courthouse, located at 315 S. Jefferson Street in Mason, became a historic place on December 13, 1971. This building is where many important decisions for the county have been made over the years. It's a symbol of local government and justice.
Ash Street-Sycamore Creek Bridge
The Ash Street-Sycamore Creek Bridge, which carries M-36 over Sycamore Creek in Mason, was added to the National Register on January 14, 2000. Bridges are important for connecting places, and this one has a special history.
Historic Places in East Lansing
East Lansing, home to Michigan State University, also has its share of historic buildings.
Central School
Central School, at 325 W. Grand River Avenue in East Lansing, was listed on April 10, 1986. This old school building played a role in educating many students in the community.
Eustace Hall
Eustace Hall, located on the Michigan State University campus in East Lansing, was added to the list on September 3, 1971. This building is part of the long history of one of Michigan's largest universities.
Other Notable Historic Places
Ingham County has historic sites beyond its main cities.
St. Katherine's Chapel
.jpg)
St. Katherine's Chapel, found at 4650 Meridian Road in Williamstown Township, was listed on July 8, 1970. This chapel is a beautiful example of historic religious architecture in a more rural setting.
Stockbridge Town Hall
The Stockbridge Town Hall, at 101 S. Clinton Street in Stockbridge, was added to the list on March 10, 1980. Town halls are often central to a community's life, and this one has served the people of Stockbridge for many years.
Former Listings
Sometimes, a historic place might be removed from the National Register. This usually happens if the building is destroyed or changed so much that it no longer has its historic importance.
Benjamin Davis House
The Benjamin Davis House in Lansing was removed from the list in 1972 because it was torn down.
Reo Motor Car Company Plant
The Reo Motor Car Company Plant in Lansing was once a very important place, even a National Historic Landmark! It was listed in 1978 but removed in 1985 because it was demolished. This factory was famous for making cars and trucks, and its loss was a big change for Lansing's industrial history.
