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National Register of Historic Places listings in Johnson County, Iowa facts for kids

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Map of Iowa highlighting Johnson County
Location of Johnson County in Iowa

Welcome to Johnson County, Iowa! Did you know that this county is home to many special places that are officially recognized for their history? These places are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's like a national scrapbook of buildings, sites, and objects that are important to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture.

When a place is added to this list, it means it's worth protecting and celebrating. Johnson County has 94 of these amazing spots! One of them is even a National Historic Landmark, which is the highest honor a historic place can receive. Let's explore some of these cool historical treasures!

Discovering History in Johnson County

Many different kinds of places are listed on the National Register. They can be old houses, churches, schools, businesses, or even bridges and farms. Each one tells a unique story about the past. They show us how people lived, worked, and built things long ago.

Homes with Stories

Johnson County has many historic homes. These houses often show different styles of architecture from over the years.

  • Ned Ashton House: This unique home at 820 Park Road in Iowa City was listed in 2001. It's a great example of modern design.
  • Charles Berryhill House: Located at 414 Brown Street in Iowa City, this house was added to the list in 1979. It shows us what homes looked like in earlier times.
  • Plum Grove: Found at 1030 Carroll Avenue in Iowa City, Plum Grove was listed in 1973. It was the home of Robert Lucas, Iowa's first territorial governor. It's like stepping back in time to see how an important leader lived.
NedAshtonHouse
Ned Ashton House
Charles Berryhill House
Charles Berryhill House
Plum grove iowa city
Plum Grove, the home of Iowa's first territorial governor

Community Buildings and Churches

Churches and public buildings are also important parts of a community's history. They often served as gathering places for many years.

  • Bethel AME Church: This church at 411 S. Governor Street in Iowa City was listed in 2000. It has been a significant place for its community for a long time.
  • Coralville Public School: Located at 402-404 5th Street in Coralville, this school building was listed in 1974. Imagine all the students who learned here over the years!
  • Englert Theatre: At 221 E. Washington Street in Iowa City, the Englert Theatre was added to the list in 2001. This old theater has hosted countless shows and performances.
Bethel AME Iowa City
Bethel AME Church
CoralvillePublic 2014-10-04
Coralville Public School
Englert Theatre 07 2010
Englert Theatre

Unique Structures and Farms

Not all historic places are buildings. Some are unique structures or entire farms that show us how people lived and worked the land.

  • Miller Round Barn: This cool round barn on County Road F62 near Sharon Center was listed in 1986. Round barns were built to be efficient for farming.
  • Sutliff Bridge: This bridge crosses the Cedar River on Sutliff Road near Sutliff. It was listed in 1998 and is a great example of old bridge engineering.
  • Buresh Farm: Located west of Solon off Iowa Highway 382, this farm was recognized in 1977. It represents the agricultural history of the area.
Joseph Miller Barn - first round barn east of the Mississippi
The Miller Round Barn
Sutliff bridge Iowa
Sutliff Bridge

Important Historic Districts

Sometimes, a whole group of buildings in an area is important together. These are called historic districts.

  • Brown Street Historic District: This area in Iowa City, roughly around Brown Street, was listed in 1994. It includes many historic homes and buildings that create a special neighborhood feel.
  • College Green Historic District: Also in Iowa City, this district is roughly bounded by Burlington, Summit, Washington, and Van Buren Streets. It was listed in 1997 and features many historic buildings near the college.
Brown Historical District 2
A building in the Brown Street Historic District
College Green Park Gazebo
The gazebo in College Green Park, part of the College Green Historic District

The Old Capitol Building

One of the most important historic places in Johnson County is the Old Capitol Building. It's located on the University of Iowa campus in Iowa City and was listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1972. This means it's super important to the history of the entire country!

The Old Capitol was once the state capitol building for Iowa. It's a beautiful and impressive building that played a big role in Iowa's early days.

Old capital iowa city
The Old Capitol Building, a National Historic Landmark
Iowa Hall
Iowa Hall, part of the Pentacrest historic district which includes the Old Capitol

Former Listings

Sometimes, a historic place might be removed from the National Register. This can happen if a building is changed too much, or if it is unfortunately damaged or torn down. Here are a few places that were once listed but are no longer on the Register:

  • Opera House Block: This building in Iowa City was listed in 1978 but removed in 2006.
  • M. T. Close and Company Flaxseed Warehouse: This warehouse in Iowa City was listed in 1984 and removed in 1995.
  • Van Patten House: This house in Iowa City was listed in 1983 but removed in 2016 after it was damaged by a fire.

These listings help us remember and appreciate the rich history of Johnson County, Iowa!

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