National Register of Historic Places listings in Johnson County, Kansas facts for kids
Welcome to Johnson County, Kansas! This page is all about special places here that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Think of it like a very important list of buildings, areas, or objects that tell us a lot about the past. These places are considered important because they have a special story or connection to history.
There are 30 different places and areas in Johnson County that are on this list. One of them is even a "National Historic Landmark," which is an even higher honor!
Contents
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the United States' historic places worth saving. It's like a special club for buildings, sites, structures, objects, and districts that are important to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture.
When a place is added to this list, it means it's recognized for its historical value. This helps protect it and makes people more aware of its importance. It's a way to make sure these pieces of history are around for future generations to learn from and enjoy.
Why Are These Places Important?
Historic places are like giant storybooks! They show us how people lived long ago, what their homes looked like, how they worked, and what challenges they faced. By visiting or learning about these sites, we can connect with the past in a real way.
For example, an old schoolhouse can show us how children learned 100 years ago. A historic farm might teach us about farming methods from the past. These places help us understand where we come from and how our communities grew over time.
Historic Places in Johnson County
Johnson County has many interesting places on the National Register. They include old homes, schools, farms, and even entire neighborhoods! Each one has a unique story.
Old Schools and Learning Places
- Lanesfield School: This old schoolhouse in Edgerton was built a long time ago. It helps us imagine what school was like for kids in the past, with one room for all ages.
- Virginia School District No. 33: Located in Shawnee, this was another important school building that served the community.
- Shawnee Methodist Mission: This is a very special place in Fairway. It was a school and mission for Native American children and pioneers in the 1800s. It's so important that it's also a National Historic Landmark!
Historic Homes and Farms
Many homes in Johnson County are on the list because of their unique architecture or the important people who lived there.
- Ensor Farm: This farm in Olathe shows us what rural life was like in the past.
- J. B. Mahaffie House: Located in Olathe, this house was part of a busy stagecoach stop and farm in the 1860s. It's now a living history museum where you can see what life was like back then.
- Franklin R. Lanter House: Another historic home in Olathe.
- Albert Ott House: This Olathe home is recognized for its historical design.
- Martin Van Buren Parker House: An important historic residence also found in Olathe.
- I. O. Pickering House: This Olathe house is another example of the area's historic architecture.
- Herman J. and Ella B. Voigts House: A historic home in Leawood.
- Wolcott House: This house in Mission Hills is another example of beautiful historic homes in the area.
- William Thomas Turner Barn: This barn in Gardner is a great example of historic farm buildings.
Special Districts and Areas
Sometimes, not just one building, but a whole group of buildings or an area is considered historic. These are called "historic districts."
- Blackfeather Farm: This is a historic farm district in Stilwell.
- Broadmoor Ranch House Historic District: This area in Overland Park shows a specific style of homes built in the mid-20th century.
- Horn-Vincent-Russell Estate: A historic estate in Mission Hills.
- Loomis Historic District: Located in Merriam, this district has several important buildings.
- Redel Historic District: Another historic area in Stilwell.
- Sunflower Village Historic District: This district in DeSoto tells the story of a community built during World War II.
- Westwood Hills Historic District: This neighborhood in Westwood Hills is recognized for its unique layout and homes.
Other Interesting Places
- Lone Elm Campground Swale: This spot in Olathe is part of the famous Santa Fe Trail, a historic route for pioneers and traders. It shows where wagons wore down the land.
- Olathe Cemetery: This cemetery in Olathe is listed because it holds historical significance for the community.
- Overland Theater: This old theater in Overland Park is a reminder of how people used to go to the movies.
- WPA Beach House at Gardner Lake: This building was constructed during the Great Depression by a program called the WPA, which helped people find work.
These are just some of the amazing historic places you can find in Johnson County. Each one helps us remember and appreciate the rich history of Kansas!
Images for kids
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The Ensor Farm, a historic farm in Olathe.
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The Horn-Vincent-Russell Estate in Mission Hills.
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The historic Lanesfield School in Edgerton.
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The Franklin R. Lanter House in Olathe.
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A building in the Loomis Historic District in Merriam.
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The J. B. Mahaffie House in Olathe, a living history museum.
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The Albert Ott House in Olathe.
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The historic Overland Theater in Overland Park.
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The Martin Van Buren Parker House in Olathe.
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The I. O. Pickering House in Olathe.
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A building at the Shawnee Methodist Mission in Fairway.
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The William Thomas Turner Barn in Gardner.
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The Herman J. and Ella B. Voigts House in Leawood.
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The Wolcott House in Mission Hills.
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The WPA Beach House at Gardner Lake.
