National Register of Historic Places listings in Jefferson County, Iowa facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about the old buildings and places in your town or county? Many of them have amazing stories! In Jefferson County, Iowa, there are lots of special spots that are officially recognized for their history and importance. These places are listed on something called the National Register of Historic Places.
The National Register of Historic Places is like a special club for buildings, areas, and objects that are important to the history of the United States. When a place is added to this list, it means it's worth protecting and remembering for future generations. It could be an old house, a cool barn, a public building, or even a whole neighborhood!
In Jefferson County, there are 29 different places that have made it onto this important list. Each one has its own unique story and helps us understand what life was like long ago. Let's explore some of these fascinating historic places!
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Historic Buildings and Districts in Fairfield
Most of Jefferson County's historic places are located in the city of Fairfield, Iowa. These include grand homes, important public buildings, and even parts of a college campus.
Fairfield's Architectural Gems
Many homes in Fairfield are on the National Register because of their unique design or the important people who lived there.
- James A. Beck House: This beautiful house, built in 1878, is a great example of Queen Anne style architecture. It was designed by a famous architect named George Franklin Barber. Imagine living in a house designed by someone well-known for their amazing buildings!
- Burnett-Montgomery House: Another historic home, this one was built in 1899. It shows us how homes looked at the turn of the 20th century.
- James F. Clarke House: This house, built in 1879, is a lovely example of Italianate architecture, which was popular in the late 1800s.
- O.F. and Lulu E. Fryer House: Built in 1900, this house gives us a peek into the homes of Fairfield residents from that time.
- R. B. and Lizzie L. Louden House: This grand home, built in 1896, belonged to R. B. Louden, who was very important to Fairfield's industrial history.
- R. Bruce and May W. Louden House: Built in 1900, this was another home of the Louden family, showing their lasting impact on the area.
- R.R. and Antoinette Louden House: Also built in 1900, this house is another example of the Louden family's presence and influence in Fairfield.
- William and Mary Jane Louden House: This house, built in 1896, was home to William Louden, who was a key inventor and businessman in Fairfield.
- George A. Wells House: Built in 1870, this house is one of the older homes on the list, showing architectural styles from even earlier times.
- US Senator James F. Wilson House: This house, built in 1860, was once home to James F. Wilson, a very important person who served as a U.S. Senator. Imagine the history that happened within those walls!
Important Public and Commercial Buildings
Fairfield also has several public and business buildings that are historically significant.
- Fairfield Public Library: Built in 1893, this beautiful building has served as a center for learning and community for over a century. Libraries are often important landmarks in a town's history.
- Former US Post Office Building: This building, constructed in 1907, was once where all the mail for Fairfield was handled. It's a great example of early 20th-century government architecture.
- Gobble and Heer-Spurgeons Building: Built in 1900, this commercial building shows us what downtown Fairfield looked like when businesses were first booming.
- Jefferson County Courthouse: The courthouse, built in 1891, is where important legal decisions and government work for the county have taken place for many years. It's often the heart of a county's government.
- Wilson Building: Constructed in 1891, this building is another example of Fairfield's historic commercial district.
Fairfield's Industrial and Campus History
Some listings highlight Fairfield's past industries and educational institutions.
- Architecture of Henry K. Holsman Historic Campus District: This district includes buildings on the Maharishi University of Management campus (which was once Parsons College). These buildings, dating back to 1900, show the architectural style of a historic college campus.
- Henn Mansion: Located on the Maharishi University of Management campus, this mansion was built in 1896. It's a grand old building with a lot of history.
- Iowa Malleable Iron Company: This industrial site, built in 1904, represents Fairfield's manufacturing past. It shows how important factories were to the town's growth.
- Louden Machinery Company: Built in 1892, this company was famous for inventing and making farm equipment and overhead track systems. It was a very important business for Fairfield and for farming across the country!
- Louden Monorail System in the Auto Repair Shop: This unique system, installed in 1920, shows how the Louden company's inventions were used even in local businesses. It's a cool piece of industrial history.
- Louden Whirl-Around: Built in 1925, this was a piece of playground equipment made by the Louden company. It's a fun reminder of their diverse products!
Historic Places Outside Fairfield
Not all historic places are in the main city. Some are out in the rural areas, showing us the agricultural history of Jefferson County.
- W.C. Ball House: This house, built in 1890, is located outside Fairfield and represents the rural homes of the past.
- Evergreen Ridge Stock Farm Historic District: This district, dating back to 1870, shows what a large, important farm looked like long ago. It's a glimpse into the agricultural heritage of the county.
- Fred and Rosa Fulton Barn: Located near Selma, Iowa, this barn was built in 1910. Barns are often very important historic structures, showing how farming has changed over time.
- August and Vera Luedtke Barn: Another historic barn, built in 1910, this one also tells a story about farming life in Jefferson County.
- McElhinny House: Built in 1850, this house is one of the oldest on the list, showing us what homes looked like in the mid-19th century.
- New Sweden Chapel: This chapel, built in 1860, is a beautiful example of early religious buildings in the area, showing the history of communities settling in Iowa.
- Old Settlers' Association Park and Rhodham Bonnifield House: This area, dating back to 1850, includes a park and a house that were important gathering places for early settlers of the county.
These historic places are like windows into the past, helping us understand the people, industries, and daily life that shaped Jefferson County into what it is today. They remind us to appreciate and protect our history!
Images for kids
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Ewing Hall at Parsons College, part of the Architecture of Henry K. Holsman Historic Campus District.
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The W.C. Ball House.
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The James A. Beck House, a Queen Anne style home.
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The Burnett-Montgomery House.
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The James F. Clarke House.
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The Fairfield Public Library.
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The former U.S. Post Office Building in Fairfield.
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The O.F. and Lulu E. Fryer House.
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The Fred and Rosa Fulton Barn.
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The Gobble and Heer-Spurgeons Building.
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The Henn Mansion on the Maharishi University of Management campus.
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The Iowa Malleable Iron Company building.
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The Jefferson County Courthouse.
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The Louden Machinery Company building.
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The former Auto Repair Shop with a Louden Monorail System.
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The Louden Whirl-Around playground equipment.
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The R. B. and Lizzie L. Louden House.
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The R. Bruce and May W. Louden House.
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The R.R. and Antoinette Louden House.
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The William and Mary Jane Louden House.
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The McElhinny House.
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The New Sweden Chapel.
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The Rhodham Bonnifield House at Old Settlers' Association Park.
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The George A. Wells House.
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The Wilson Building.
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The U.S. Senator James F. Wilson House.
