National Register of Historic Places listings in Jackson County, Indiana facts for kids

Jackson County is in the southern part of Indiana.

Have you ever wondered about old buildings and places that are super important to history? In Jackson County, Indiana, there are many special spots listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect these places so people can learn from them for many years to come.

These historic places are found all over Jackson County. Some are in towns like Seymour or Brownstown. Others are in the countryside, in areas called townships. Each place has its own unique story!

There are 20 different buildings and areas in Jackson County that are on this important list. One place used to be on the list but was later removed. Let's explore some of these amazing historical sites!

Historic Places in Jackson County

Beatty-Trimpe Farm: A Look at Farm Life

The old farmhouse at Beatty-Trimpe Farm.

The Beatty-Trimpe Farm is a historic farm located west of Seymour. It was added to the National Register in 2003. This farm helps us understand what farm life was like in the past. It shows how people lived and worked on the land many years ago.

Carr High School: A School with History

Carr High School, a historic school building.

Carr High School is an old school building found west of Medora. It became a historic site in 2011. Imagine all the students who walked through its halls and learned there! Old schools like this are important because they show how education has changed over time.

Cavanaugh Bridge: Crossing the River

The Cavanaugh Bridge over the Muscatatuck River.

The Cavanaugh Bridge is a cool old bridge that crosses the Muscatatuck River. It's located southwest of Brownstown and was listed in 2007. This bridge is special because it connects Jackson County with Washington County. Bridges like this were very important for travel and trade in the past.

Farmers Club: A Community Hub

The Farmers Club building in Seymour.

The Farmers Club in Seymour is a historic building that was added to the list in 1983. Located on South Chestnut Street, this building likely served as a meeting place for farmers. It was a spot where people could gather, share ideas, and build community.

First Presbyterian Church: A Place of Worship

The First Presbyterian Church in Seymour.

The First Presbyterian Church in Seymour is a beautiful old church on North Walnut Street. It became a historic site in 1991. Churches often play a big role in a community's history. They are places where people gather for worship, events, and to support each other.

Jackson County Courthouse: The Heart of the County

The Jackson County Courthouse in Brownstown.

The Jackson County Courthouse in Brownstown is a very important building. It's where many county decisions are made. This courthouse was added to the National Register in 2011. Courthouses are often grand buildings that show the importance of local government.

Joseph Jackson Hotel: A Stop for Travelers

The historic Joseph Jackson Hotel in Vallonia.

The Joseph Jackson Hotel is located in Vallonia, a small community in Driftwood Township. This old hotel became a historic site in 2005. Hotels like this were once vital stops for travelers. They offered a place to rest and eat before continuing long journeys.

Medora Covered Bridge: A Classic Landmark

The long Medora Covered Bridge.

The Medora Covered Bridge is a famous landmark near Medora. It crosses the east fork of the White River. This bridge was added to the list in 2007. Covered bridges are special because they are a unique part of American history and engineering. They were built to protect the wooden parts of the bridge from weather.

T. Harlan and Helen Montgomery House: A Historic Home

The T. Harlan and Helen Montgomery House in Seymour.

The T. Harlan and Helen Montgomery House is a historic home in Seymour. It was listed in 2010. Old houses like this give us clues about how people lived and what styles were popular in the past. They often have unique architectural features.

Picnic Area-Jackson State Forest: A Place to Relax

A stone picnic table in the Jackson-Washington State Forest.

The Picnic Area-Jackson State Forest is located in the Jackson-Washington State Forest, southeast of Brownstown. This picnic area became a historic site in 1997. It's a great example of outdoor spaces designed for public enjoyment. These areas often have structures built by groups like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression.

Seymour Commercial Historic District: Downtown History

A street view in the Seymour Commercial Historic District.

The Seymour Commercial Historic District is an important area in downtown Seymour. It includes many old buildings that were once shops and businesses. This district was listed in 1995. It shows what a busy downtown area looked like long ago and how commerce shaped the town.

Shields' Mill Covered Bridge: Another Covered Gem

The Shields' Mill Covered Bridge.

The Shields' Mill Covered Bridge crosses the East Fork of the White River. It was added to the National Register in 2016. Like the Medora Covered Bridge, this one is a beautiful example of early bridge building. It reminds us of a time before modern bridges were common.

Southern Indiana Railroad Freighthouse: A Link to Trains

The Southern Indiana Railroad Freighthouse.

The Southern Indiana Railroad Freighthouse in Seymour was listed in 2003. This building was once used to store goods that were shipped by train. Railroads were incredibly important for moving products and people across the country. This freighthouse tells a story about the history of transportation.

George H. Vehslage House: A Grand Residence

The George H. Vehslage House in Seymour.

The George H. Vehslage House is another historic home in Seymour, added to the list in 2010. This house shows the architectural styles and living conditions of a prominent family from the past. It helps us imagine what life was like for people living in Seymour many years ago.

Frank Wheeler Hotel: A Historic Inn

The Frank Wheeler Hotel in Freetown.

The Frank Wheeler Hotel is located at the junction of 2nd and Main Streets in Freetown. It was added to the National Register in 1991. Just like the Joseph Jackson Hotel, this building was a place where travelers could find lodging and food. It's a piece of history from a time when travel was much different.

Archaeological Sites: Clues from the Past

Some historic listings are not buildings but archaeological sites. These are places where scientists find artifacts and clues about people who lived long, long ago.

Low Spur Archaeological Site

The Low Spur Archaeological Site is one such place in Jackson Township. It was listed in 1987. Scientists study sites like this to learn about ancient cultures and how they lived in this area.

Sand Hill Archaeological Site

Another important site is the Sand Hill Archaeological Site 12J62, also in Jackson Township. It was added to the list in 1982. These sites are often kept secret to protect them from damage, so their exact locations are not shared.

What Happened to the Bell Ford Bridge?

Sometimes, a historic place can be removed from the National Register. This happened to the Bell Ford Bridge.

The Bell Ford Bridge was a special type of bridge called a "combination bridge." It was located northwest of Seymour. It was added to the list in 2005. However, it later collapsed and was removed from the list in 2016. This shows that even historic structures can be lost over time due to age or accidents.

Images for kids

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  An archaeological site can hold many secrets from the past.

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  Archaeological sites help us learn about ancient people.

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  The Bell Ford Bridge, which was later removed from the list after it collapsed.