National Register of Historic Places listings in Jackson County, Michigan facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about the old buildings and special places in your town or county? Many places have a rich history, and some are so important that they are added to a special list called the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect and celebrate these amazing sites across the United States.
Jackson County, Michigan, is home to many such historic treasures. There are 29 properties and areas in Jackson County that are officially recognized on this important list. These places include old schools, beautiful homes, historic bridges, and even an old prison! Each one tells a unique story about the past of Jackson County and Michigan. Let's explore some of these cool historic spots!
Contents
Historic Places in Jackson County
Buildings with a Story
Jackson County has many buildings that have seen a lot of history. These places were once busy centers for work, learning, or community life.
Collins Manufacturing-Jackson Automobile Company Complex
Imagine a place where cars were made a long time ago! The Collins Manufacturing-Jackson Automobile Company Complex, located at 2301 E. Michigan Ave. in Jackson, was added to the list in 1993. This site played a part in the early days of car making in Michigan.
Grass Lake Public School
Schools are often important parts of a community's history. The Grass Lake Public School, found at 661 E. Michigan Ave. in Grass Lake, became a historic site in 1984. It reminds us of how education has grown and changed over the years.
Hanover High School Complex
Another school with a past is the Hanover High School Complex at 105 Fairview St. in Hanover. Listed in 2012, this building now houses the Lee Conklin Antique Reed Organ & History Museum. It's a great example of how old buildings can find new life!
Jackson District Library
Libraries are places of knowledge and community. The Jackson District Library, located at 244 W. Michigan St. in Jackson, was recognized in 1980. It has served as a center for reading and learning for many years.
Michigan Central Railroad Jackson Depot
Train stations were once bustling hubs of travel. The Michigan Central Railroad Jackson Depot, at 501 E. Michigan Ave. in Jackson, joined the list in 2002. This station connected people and goods across the state and beyond.
Michigan Theatre
The Michigan Theatre, at 124 N. Mechanic St. in Jackson, became a historic place in 1980. Theaters like this were once grand places where people went to watch movies and live shows, bringing entertainment to the community.
Otsego Hotel
Hotels are often important landmarks in a city. The Otsego Hotel, located at 102–106 Francis St. in Jackson, was added to the list in 2015. It likely hosted many travelers and important events over its history.
Peoples National Bank Building
Banks are also key parts of a city's development. The Peoples National Bank Building at 101 E. Michigan Ave. in Jackson was listed in 2014. Its architecture and history reflect the economic growth of the area.
Stone Post Office
Even a post office can be historic! The Stone Post Office, found behind 125 N. Jackson St. in Jackson, was listed in 1972. It reminds us of how mail was delivered in earlier times.
Homes and Farms with History
Many historic places are old homes and farms that show us how people lived long ago.
Mann House
The Mann House, at 205 Hanover St. in Concord, is a very old listing, added in 1970. It's a great example of a historic home that has been preserved to show what life was like in the past.
Gordon Hitt Farmstead
The Gordon Hitt Farmstead, at 4561 N. Lake Rd. in Columbia Township, was listed in 1994. Farms like this are important because they show the agricultural history of the region.
James M. Jameson Farm
Another historic farm is the James M. Jameson Farm, east of Springport at 10220 N. Parma Rd. It was added to the list in 1980. These farms often have unique buildings and layouts that tell us about farming practices from long ago.
Kentucky Homestead
The Kentucky Homestead, at 3740 Ocean Beach Rd. in Columbia Township, was listed in 1994. This home was moved to a county park and is now used as the Clark Lake Community Center. It's cool how a historic home can still be used by the community today!
Paddock-Hubbard House
The Paddock-Hubbard House, at 317 Hanover St. in Concord, became a historic site in 1994. Old houses like this often have special architectural details that were popular in their time.
Hugh H. Richard House
The Hugh H. Richard House, at 505 Wildwood Ave. in Jackson, was listed in 1993. Many historic homes are named after the families who built them or lived there for a long time.
Ella Sharp House
The Ella Sharp House, at 3225 4th St. in Jackson, was added to the list in 1972. This house is part of the Ella Sharp Museum, which helps people learn about local history and art.
Siebold Farm/Ruehle (Realy) Farm
The Siebold Farm/Ruehle (Realy) Farm, at 9998 Waterloo-Munith Rd. in Waterloo Township, was listed in 1973. This farm is another example of the important agricultural heritage of Jackson County.
Andrew Wilcox House
The Andrew Wilcox House, at 231 E. High St. in Jackson, became a historic site in 1987. Each of these homes has its own unique story and connection to the people who shaped the area.
Bridges and Other Structures
Not all historic places are buildings. Some are bridges or other important structures that helped connect communities.
Denton Road-Sparks Foundation Park Pond Bridge
Bridges are vital for travel and trade. The Denton Road-Sparks Foundation Park Pond Bridge, over Sparks Foundation Park Pond in Jackson, was listed in 2000. It's a historic link in the county's transportation history.
M-50-Sandstone Creek Bridge
Another historic bridge is the M-50-Sandstone Creek Bridge, which carries M-50 over Sandstone Creek in Tompkins Township. It was added to the list in 2000. These old bridges often have interesting designs and engineering.
Mill Street-South Branch Raisin River Bridge
The Mill Street-South Branch Raisin River Bridge, over the South Branch of the Raisin River in Brooklyn, was also listed in 2000. Bridges like these are important for understanding how communities grew and connected over time.
Other Unique Historic Sites
Some places are historic for different reasons, like being a cemetery or a whole district.
Concord Village Historic District
Sometimes, a whole area or neighborhood is considered historic. The Concord Village Historic District, roughly Hanover St. from Spring to Michigan Sts. and N. Main St. from Railroad to Monroe Sts. in Concord, was listed in 1996. This means many buildings in this area together tell a historic story.
Hebrew Cemetery
Cemeteries can also be historic sites, preserving the memory of people who lived long ago. The Hebrew Cemetery, at 420 N. West Ave. in Jackson, was added to the list in 2009. It's a place of quiet reflection and history.
Michigan State Prison
Even a former prison can be historic! The Michigan State Prison, located at Armory Court and Cooper St. in Jackson, was listed in 1979. This site has a complex history related to justice and society.
Former Listing
Sometimes, a historic place might be removed from the list. This can happen if the building is changed too much or is no longer standing.
Sidney T. Smith House
The Sidney T. Smith House in Grass Lake was once on the National Register, listed in 1972. However, it was removed from the list in 1978 because it was demolished. This shows that historic preservation is an ongoing effort.
