National Register of Historic Places listings in Jefferson County, Missouri facts for kids
Did you know that Jefferson County, Missouri, is home to many special places that tell stories about the past? These places are so important that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect buildings, sites, and objects that are important to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture.
When a place is added to the National Register, it means it's recognized as a significant part of our country's heritage. It's like giving it a special badge of honor! In Jefferson County, there are 15 such amazing places. Let's explore some of them!
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation's historic places worth saving. It's managed by the National Park Service, which is part of the United States government. Being on this list helps people understand and appreciate the history around them. It also encourages communities to protect these sites for future generations.
Why are places added to the list?
Places are added to the National Register for many reasons. Some might be very old, like archaeological sites where ancient people lived. Others might be important because famous events happened there, or because they show a special style of building. Sometimes, a place is important because it's connected to a famous person or a big idea that changed history.
Exploring Jefferson County's Historic Treasures
Jefferson County has a mix of historic sites, from old buildings to places where ancient animals once roamed. Each one has a unique story to tell about the area's past.
Kimmswick Bone Bed (Mastodon State Historic Site)
One of the coolest places is the Kimmswick Bone Bed, also known as the Mastodon State Historic Site. This site in Imperial is super old! It's where scientists found bones of huge, elephant-like animals called mastodons. These amazing creatures lived here thousands of years ago, alongside early humans. The site helps us learn about prehistoric life in Missouri. It was added to the National Register on November 5, 1980.
Sandy Creek Covered Bridge
Near Hillsboro, you can find the Sandy Creek Covered Bridge. This bridge is a beautiful example of old-time engineering. Covered bridges were popular in the past because the roof and sides protected the wooden structure from rain and snow, making them last longer. This bridge was built in 1872 and is one of only four covered bridges left in Missouri. It became a historic place on July 8, 1970.
Valentine Leight General Store
In House Springs, there's the Valentine Leight General Store. Imagine a time when people didn't have huge supermarkets! General stores like this one were the heart of a community. They sold everything from food and tools to clothing and candy. This store, built around 1880, gives us a peek into how people shopped and lived long ago. It was listed on August 18, 1992.
Windsor Harbor Road Bridge
Another interesting bridge is the Windsor Harbor Road Bridge in Kimmswick. This bridge crosses Rock Creek and is an example of early 20th-century bridge design. It's a reminder of how transportation has changed over the years. This historic bridge was added to the list on September 8, 1983.
Central School Campus
In De Soto, the Central School Campus is a significant historic site. This campus includes buildings that were once part of a school. Old school buildings often show us how education and architecture have changed over time. They hold memories of countless students and teachers. This campus was recognized on October 8, 2009.
Thomas C. Fletcher House
The Thomas C. Fletcher House in Hillsboro is another important building. This house is named after Thomas C. Fletcher, who was a governor of Missouri during the American Civil War. Houses connected to important historical figures often have unique stories about their lives and the times they lived in. This house became a historic site on November 19, 1974.
Kimmswick Historic District
The town of Kimmswick itself has a whole historic district! This means that a whole area, not just one building, is considered historically important. Walking through the Kimmswick Historic District feels like stepping back in time. It includes many old buildings that together create a picture of what a small river town was like in the past. It was added to the National Register on July 24, 2007.
