National Register of Historic Places listings in Jackson County, Illinois facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about the special places in your community that tell a story about the past? In Jackson County, Illinois, there are many such places! These are buildings, sites, and areas that are so important to history that they've been added to a special list called the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect and celebrate these unique spots across the United States.
In Jackson County, there are 17 amazing places on this list. Each one has its own history, from ancient Native American sites to cool buildings from more recent times. Let's explore some of these fascinating historic treasures!
Historic Places to Discover
The Dome Home of Buckminster Fuller
Imagine living in a house shaped like a giant half-sphere! That's exactly what the famous inventor and designer R. Buckminster Fuller and his wife Anne Hewlett Fuller did. Their unique dome home, built in 1960, is located in Carbondale. Fuller was known for his amazing ideas about how to build things efficiently and sustainably. This house is a great example of his "geodesic dome" design, which uses triangles to create strong, lightweight structures. It's a true architectural marvel!
Giant City Stone Fort Site
Deep within Giant City State Park near Makanda, you can find the mysterious Giant City Stone Fort Site. This isn't a fort with cannons and soldiers, but rather an ancient site with long stone walls. These walls were built by Native Americans long, long ago, possibly for defense or as part of a special ceremony. It's a fascinating place that makes you wonder about the people who lived here centuries ago and what their lives were like.
Illinois Central Railroad Passenger Depot
Trains were super important for travel and moving goods across the country in the past. The Illinois Central Railroad Passenger Depot in Carbondale was once a very busy place. Built in 1903, this train station saw countless people come and go, connecting Carbondale to other cities. It's a beautiful building that reminds us of a time when train travel was king. Today, it still stands as a symbol of the town's connection to the railroad.
Jackson County Courthouse
The Jackson County Courthouse, located in Murphysboro, is where important decisions for the county are made. This grand building, completed in 1927, has seen a lot of history unfold within its walls. Courthouses are often designed to look strong and important, and this one is no exception. It's a central part of the community and a symbol of justice and local government.
Liberty Theater
Imagine going to the movies in the 1920s! The Liberty Theater in Murphysboro opened its doors in 1924 and was a popular spot for entertainment. It showed silent films, then "talkies" (movies with sound), and hosted live performances. The theater's design is a great example of the fancy movie palaces of that era. Even today, it stands as a reminder of how people used to enjoy a night out at the movies.
Riverside Park Bandshell
Music and community events have always been important. The Riverside Park Bandshell in Murphysboro is a special outdoor stage where concerts and performances have taken place for many years. Built in 1938, this bandshell has hosted countless events, bringing people together to enjoy music and good times in the park. It's a wonderful example of how public spaces can be designed for fun and community gatherings.
Other Notable Places
Jackson County is home to many other historic sites, including:
- Cleiman Mound and Village Site: An ancient Native American site near Gorham.
- Grand Tower Mining, Manufacturing and Transportation Company Site: Located in Devil's Backbone Park in Grand Tower, this site tells the story of early industry.
- Grange Hall: South of Beaucoup Creek near Murphysboro, this hall was important for local farmers and community meetings.
- Robert W. Hamilton House, Cornelius Hennessy Building, and William H. Hull House: These are historic homes and buildings in Murphysboro, showing different architectural styles from the past.
- Mobile and Ohio Railroad Depot: Another historic train station in Murphysboro.
- Murphysboro Elks Lodge: A lodge building in Murphysboro that served as a meeting place for a fraternal organization.
- Reef House: A historic house in Carbondale.
- West Walnut Street Historic District: A whole area in Carbondale with many historic buildings.
- Woodlawn Cemetery: A historic cemetery in Carbondale, where many important people from the past are buried.
These places help us understand the rich history of Jackson County and the people who lived here before us. They are important reminders of our past and are worth preserving for future generations to enjoy and learn from.
