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

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This page is all about the cool historic places in Johnson County, Kentucky, that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Think of it like a special list of important buildings, sites, and areas that are worth protecting because of their history.

The National Register of Historic Places is America's official list of places that matter to our history. When a place is added to this list, it means it's special and should be preserved for future generations. It could be a building, a park, a bridge, or even an archaeological site!

In Johnson County, there are 39 places currently on this important list. Two other places were once listed but have since been removed. Let's explore some of these amazing spots!

What is the National Register of Historic Places?

The National Register of Historic Places (often called the NRHP) is the United States government's way of keeping track of historic buildings, districts, sites, structures, and objects. It's like a hall of fame for places that have played a big part in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture.

Being on the NRHP doesn't mean a place can't be changed or sold. But it does mean that people know it's special. It can also help protect the place from certain types of development and sometimes even make it easier to get grants for repairs and upkeep.

Historic Places in Johnson County

Johnson County has many interesting places that tell stories about its past. From old homes to schools and churches, these sites show how people lived and worked long ago.

Cool Historic Buildings in Paintsville

Many of Johnson County's historic spots are in the town of Paintsville.

  • Archer House: Located at 170 Euclid Street, this house was added to the list in 1989. It's a great example of older homes in the area.
  • First Baptist Church: Found on College Street, this church has been a part of the community since 1989.
  • First United Methodist Church: This church, at Main and Church Streets, also joined the list in 1989. It's a beautiful old building.
  • First National Bank Building: At Main and College Streets, this bank building from 1989 shows what important businesses looked like back then.
  • Foster Hardware: On Main and Court Streets, this hardware store building was listed in 1989. Imagine all the tools and supplies it sold over the years!
  • Mayo Memorial United Methodist Church: Located on 3rd Street, this church was added in 1989.
  • John C. C. Mayo Mansion and Office: This grand mansion at 405 3rd Street was listed in 1974. John C. C. Mayo was a very important person in the coal industry of Kentucky. His home is a stunning example of early 20th-century architecture.
  • Thomas Mayo House: Another Mayo family home, this one at 228 2nd Street, was listed in 1989.
  • Paintsville City Hall: The city's government building, at Main Street and a spur of Kentucky Route 40, was listed in 1989.
  • Paintsville Country Club: This club, located on Kentucky Route 1107 at Davis Branch, was added in 1989.
  • Paintsville Public Library: The old library building on 2nd Street joined the list in 1989. It's where many people learned and read for years.
  • Patterson House: At West and 2nd Street, this house was listed in 1989.
  • H.B. Rice Insurance Building: On Court and Main Streets, this building from 1989 shows how businesses were set up.
  • Francis M. Stafford House: This house at 102 Broadway was listed in 1975.
  • Judge Jim Turner House: At 315 3rd Street, this house was added in 1989.
  • Allie Webb House: Located at 139 Main Street, this house was listed in 1989.
  • Byrd and Leona Webb House: Right next door at 137 Main Street, this house was also listed in 1989.
  • Tobe Wiley House: At 141 Euclid Street, this house was listed in 1989.

Other Important Historic Sites

Johnson County has historic places beyond Paintsville too!

  • Blanton Archeological Site: This site near Oil Springs was listed in 1975. Archaeological sites are places where scientists study human history through digging up old objects and remains.
  • Jeff Bond House: Located on Kentucky Route 172 near Redbush, this house was listed in 1989.
  • Dameron Shelter Archeological Site: Another archaeological site near Paintsville, listed in 1975.
  • Daniel Davis House: Northwest of Paintsville on U.S. Route 460, this house was added in 1974.
  • Flat Gap School: Near Flat Gap on Kentucky Route 689, this old school building was listed in 1989.
  • John J. and Ellen Lemaster House: Northeast of Low Gap, this house was listed in 1989.
  • David McKenzie Log Cabin: This cabin near Volga was listed in 1982. Log cabins are a classic part of early American history.
  • Meade Memorial Gymnasium: At the junction of Kentucky Routes 40 and 2040 near Williamsport, this gym was listed in 1989.
  • Mine No. 5 Store: On Kentucky Route 302 in Van Lear, this store from 1989 reminds us of the region's coal mining past.
  • Ben Mollett Cabin: Off Kentucky Route 40 near Williamsport, this cabin was listed in 1989.
  • Lloyd Hamilton Mott House: On Kentucky Route 172 near Redbush, this house was listed in 1989.
  • Oil Springs High School Gymnasium: On Kentucky Route 580 off Kentucky Route 40 near Oil Springs, this gym was listed in 1989.
  • Oil Springs Methodist Church: At the junction of Kentucky Route 580 and Kentucky Route 40 near Oil Springs, this church was listed in 1989.
  • Wiley Rice House: On Kentucky Route 825 at Asa Creek near Asa, this house was listed in 1989.
  • Salyer House: Also off Kentucky Route 825 at Asa Creek near Asa, this house was listed in 1989.
  • Addison Salyer House: Off Kentucky Route 825 at Middle Fork of Jenny's Creek near Paintsville, this house was listed in 1989.
  • Sparks Shelter Archeological Site: Another archaeological site near Oil Springs, listed in 1975.
  • Stambaugh Church of Christ: On Kentucky Route 1559 near Stambaugh, this church was listed in 1989.
  • Stambaugh House: Also on Kentucky Route 1559 near Stambaugh, this house was listed in 1989.
  • Williams House: On Kentucky Route 689/Elna Road near Redbush, this house was listed in 1989.

Former Listings

Sometimes, a place might be removed from the National Register of Historic Places. This can happen if the building is destroyed, or if it changes so much that it no longer has its historic look or feel.

Two places in Johnson County were once on the list but have been removed:

  • Thomas Akers House: This house in Paintsville was delisted in 1989.
  • John Davis House: This house near Oil Springs was also delisted in 1989.

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