National Register of Historic Places listings in Johnson County, Indiana facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about the oldest and most special buildings or places in your community? In Johnson County, Indiana, there are many such places! They are so important that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is an official list kept by the United States government. It helps protect and celebrate buildings, sites, and objects that are important to history.
When a place is added to this list, it means it has a unique story. It might be very old, have a special design, or be connected to important events or people. By listing these places, we make sure they are preserved for future generations to learn from and enjoy. In Johnson County, there are 21 different properties and areas on this special list. Let's explore some of them!
Contents
- Historic Places in Franklin
- Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
- Franklin College Buildings
- Franklin Commercial Historic District
- Franklin Senior High School
- Greenlawn Cemetery
- Herriott House
- Johnson County Courthouse Square
- Martin Place Historic District
- Johnson County Museum of History (Masonic Temple)
- August Zeppenfeld House
- Historic Places in Edinburgh
- Historic Places in Greenwood
- Historic Places in Townships
Historic Places in Franklin
Franklin, Indiana is home to many of Johnson County's historic treasures.
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
The Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is located at 499 W. Madison Street. This church was added to the National Register in 2015. It's a significant place because it represents an important part of African American history and community life in Franklin.
Franklin College Buildings
Franklin College has two buildings on the National Register, both added in 1975.
Shirk Hall (Franklin College Library)
Shirk Hall used to be the main library for Franklin College. It's located at 600 E. Monroe Street. This building is a great example of the architecture from its time and has been a center for learning for many years.
Old Main (Franklin College)
Also at 600 E. Monroe Street is Old Main, another historic building at Franklin College. This building is often the most recognizable symbol of the college. It has seen countless students pass through its doors and holds many memories of the college's long history.
Franklin Commercial Historic District
The Franklin Commercial Historic District includes several streets like E. and W. Court Street, Jefferson, Monroe, and Main. This area was listed in 1989. It's special because it shows what the main business area of Franklin looked like in the past. Walking through this district is like taking a step back in time!
Franklin Senior High School
The Franklin Senior High School building at 550 E. Jefferson Street was added to the list in 2012. This building served as a high school for many years, educating generations of students in the community. It's an important part of Franklin's educational history.
Greenlawn Cemetery
Greenlawn Cemetery at 100 W. South Street became a historic district in 2013. Cemeteries can be historic places too, not just buildings! They often contain old monuments and tell stories about the people who lived in the area long ago.
Herriott House
The Herriott House is a beautiful old home located at 696 N. Main Street. It was listed in 1982. This house is a great example of historic residential architecture in Franklin.
Johnson County Courthouse Square
The Johnson County Courthouse Square is right in the center of Franklin. It was added to the list in 1981. The courthouse is where many important decisions for the county have been made over the years. The square around it has been a gathering place for the community for a long time.
Martin Place Historic District
The Martin Place Historic District includes parts of Martin Place, Graham Avenue, Water Street, and N. Main Street. It was listed in 1987. This district shows how residential areas developed in Franklin.
Johnson County Museum of History (Masonic Temple)
The building that now houses the Johnson County Museum of History was originally the Masonic Temple. It's located at 135 N. Main Street and was listed in 1991. Today, it helps tell the story of Johnson County's past.
August Zeppenfeld House
The August Zeppenfeld House at 300 W. Jefferson Street was listed in 1987. This house is another example of the historic homes that make Franklin special.
Historic Places in Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Indiana also has several important historic districts.
Edinburgh Commercial Historic District
The Edinburgh Commercial Historic District was listed in 1991. It covers an area roughly bounded by Thompson and Main Streets, an alley, and old railroad tracks. This district shows the historic heart of Edinburgh's business area.
South Walnut Street Historic District
The South Walnut Street Historic District was added in 2011. It includes both sides of S. Walnut Street and part of W. Campbell. This area gives us a look at historic homes and buildings in Edinburgh.
Toner Historic District
The Toner Historic District on E. Main Cross Street was also listed in 2011. It's another important area that shows the historical development of Edinburgh.
Historic Places in Greenwood
Greenwood Commercial Historic District
In Greenwood, Indiana, the Greenwood Commercial Historic District was listed in 1991. It includes parts of W. Main Street and S. Madison Avenue. This district highlights the historic downtown area of Greenwood.
Historic Places in Townships
Some historic places are not inside a city but are located in the surrounding townships.
Furnas Mill Bridge
The Furnas Mill Bridge is located in Blue River Township, northwest of Edinburgh. It crosses Sugar Creek and was listed in 2001. Old bridges are important because they show how people traveled and built things in the past.
Heck-Hasler House
The Heck-Hasler House is in Clark Township, northeast of Franklin. This historic home was added to the list in 2000.
Hopewell Presbyterian Church
The Hopewell Presbyterian Church is located in Franklin Township, west of Franklin. It was listed in 2000. Churches often serve as important community centers and have rich histories.
Van Nuys Farm
Also in Franklin Township, northwest of Hopewell, is the Van Nuys Farm. This farm was added to the National Register in 1987. Historic farms can tell us a lot about how people lived and worked the land in earlier times.
These are just some of the amazing historic places you can find in Johnson County, Indiana! Each one helps us understand the rich history of the area and the people who lived there.
