National Register of Historic Places listings in Iron County, Utah facts for kids
Welcome to Iron County, Utah! This article is all about special places here that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a national list of important buildings, sites, and objects that are worth saving because they tell us about history. These places are often old and have a unique story.
In Iron County, there are 19 places on this list. They include old homes, schools, train stations, and even ancient sites where people lived long ago. Protecting these places helps us learn about the past and understand how people lived and worked in Utah many years ago.
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Historic Places in Iron County
Iron County is full of history, and many of its important places are recognized nationally. Let's explore some of these cool spots!
Buildings with a Past
Many buildings in Iron County have been preserved because they show us how people lived and worked in different times.
Old Main and Science Buildings at Southern Utah University
The Old Main and Science Buildings are found on the campus of Southern Utah University in Cedar City. These buildings are important because they are some of the oldest parts of the university. They show the history of education in the area. Imagine students learning in these very halls many decades ago!
Cedar City Railroad Depot
The Cedar City Railroad Depot is an old train station located at 220 North Main Street in Cedar City. Train stations were once very busy places, connecting towns and bringing people and goods. This depot reminds us of the time when trains were a main way to travel across the country.
Modena Elementary School
In the town of Modena, you can find the Modena Elementary School. This building, located about 150 North Main Street, served as a place of learning for many generations of children in this small community. It shows the importance of education even in remote areas.
US Post Office-Cedar City Main
The US Post Office-Cedar City Main building, at 10 North Main Street in Cedar City, was once the main post office. Today, it houses city offices. Post offices were vital for communication, allowing people to send letters and packages. This building has seen a lot of history pass through its doors.
Parowan Meetinghouse
The Parowan Meetinghouse is a very old and important building in Parowan. It's located in the center of Main Street. This meetinghouse was a central gathering place for the community, used for religious services and town meetings. It's a great example of early pioneer architecture.
Historic Homes
Several homes in Iron County are also on the National Register, each with its own story.
- The Ensign-Smith House at 96 North Main Street in Paragonah is a historic home that gives us a peek into the lives of early settlers.
- The William and Julia Lyman House at 191 South Main Street in Parowan is another example of a well-preserved historic residence.
- The Jesse N. Smith House at 45 West 100 South in Parowan also tells a story of the families who built and lived in these early Utah communities.
- The George H. Wood House at 432 North Main Street in Cedar City is another beautiful old home recognized for its historical value.
- The Daniel R. and Sophia G. Page House is located in a more remote area called Richie Flat, near the Harmony Mountains. This house shows how people lived and farmed in more isolated parts of the county.
Ancient and Industrial Sites
Iron County also has sites that tell us about much older times or important industries.
Old Irontown
About 22 miles west of Cedar City, you can find the remains of Old Irontown. This was once a busy industrial site where people tried to mine and process iron in the 1800s. Today, it's like a ghost town with old furnaces and buildings, showing us a unique part of Utah's industrial past.
Parowan Gap Petroglyphs
The Parowan Gap Petroglyphs are an amazing collection of ancient rock carvings. They are located about 10.5 miles west of Main Street in Parowan. These carvings were made by Native Americans long, long ago. They are like a giant outdoor art gallery and a mystery, as we don't fully understand what all the symbols mean. It's a special place to connect with ancient cultures.
Cedar Breaks National Monument Caretaker's Cabin and Visitor Center
Inside the beautiful Cedar Breaks National Monument, there are two historic buildings: the Caretaker's Cabin and the Visitor Center. Both are off State Route 14 near Cedar City. These buildings were important for the early management and visitor services of this stunning national park. They show how people worked to protect and share natural wonders.
Other Important Sites
Some places are listed on the National Register because they represent a whole area or a specific type of history.
Cedar City Historic District
The Cedar City Historic District is not just one building, but a whole area in Cedar City. It's roughly bounded by 100 West and 300 West, College Avenue, and 400 South. This district includes many buildings that together show the historic development and architecture of Cedar City. Walking through it is like taking a step back in time!
Meeks-Green Farmstead
The Meeks-Green Farmstead is an old farm located approximately 40 North 400 West in Parowan. Farmsteads like this are important because they show us how agriculture shaped the early communities in Utah and how families lived off the land.
Archaeological Sites
Some sites on the National Register are kept secret to protect them, especially if they are archaeological sites. These include Evans Mound (42IN40) near Summit, Gold Spring near Modena, and the Long Flat Site near Parowan. These places hold clues about ancient civilizations and early human life in the area.
Former Listing
Sometimes, a place is removed from the National Register. This happened with the Joseph S. Hunter House in Cedar City. It was delisted because the house was moved from its original spot to the Frontier Homestead State Park Museum. Even though it's no longer on the list, it's still preserved and can be visited at the museum!
Images for kids
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Caretaker's Cabin at Cedar Breaks National Monument.
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The Ensign-Smith House in Paragonah.
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Remains of the iron furnace at Old Irontown.
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Ancient petroglyphs at Parowan Gap.
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The historic Parowan Meetinghouse.
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Old Main building at Southern Utah University.
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Visitor Center at Cedar Breaks National Monument.
