National Register of Historic Places listings in Johnson County, Texas facts for kids
This article is about special places in Johnson County, Texas that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This register is like a national list of important buildings, sites, and objects that are worth saving because of their history.
In Johnson County, there are eight places on this list. Some are single buildings, and others are larger areas called "districts" that include many historic spots. Four of these places are also known as Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks, which means they are important to Texas history too!
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What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the United States' historic places that are considered worthy of preservation. It's part of a program to help people recognize and protect important parts of our country's history. When a place is listed, it means it has special historical, architectural, archaeological, engineering, or cultural importance.
Historic Places in Johnson County
Johnson County has several amazing places that tell stories about its past. Let's explore some of them!
Cleburne Carnegie Library
The Cleburne Carnegie Library is a beautiful building located at 201 North Caddo Street in Cleburne. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 12, 1976. This library was built with money from Andrew Carnegie, a very rich businessman who helped fund thousands of libraries across the world. These libraries were often built in a special style and became important centers for learning in their towns.
Ham Creek Site
The Ham Creek Site is a very old and important place near Rio Vista. It was listed on the National Register on February 15, 1974. Because it's an archaeological site, its exact location is kept secret to protect it from harm. Archaeological sites are places where scientists study human history by digging up and examining old tools, buildings, and other things left behind by people long ago. This site likely holds clues about early human life in the area.
Meredith Hart House
The Meredith Hart House is a historic home located east of Rio Vista on State Road 916. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 13, 1977. This house is a great example of the architecture and lifestyle from a past era in Johnson County.
Johnson County Courthouse
The Johnson County Courthouse is a grand building at 1 Public Square in Cleburne. It was listed on the National Register on April 14, 1988. Courthouses are often the most important buildings in a county seat, where local government and legal matters take place. This courthouse is a symbol of the county's history and its role in the community. It's a great example of historic architecture.
Joiner-Long House
The Joiner-Long House is another historic home in Cleburne, found at 604 Prairie Avenue. It joined the National Register on June 23, 2003. This house tells a story about the families who lived there and how homes were built and designed in the past. It helps us understand the daily lives of people in Johnson County's history.
Smith Ranch
The Smith Ranch is a historic district located about one mile west of Texas Highway 174 on Farm to Market Road 916, near Rio Vista. It was added to the National Register on April 3, 2007. A "historic district" means that it's not just one building, but an area with several important historic features. The Smith Ranch likely includes old buildings, barns, and land that show how ranching and farming shaped the area.
Wright Building
The Wright Building is located at 1 East James Street in Cleburne. It was listed on the National Register on March 17, 2009. This building is an important part of Cleburne's downtown area. It likely served as a business or commercial building in the past, showing how the town grew and developed over time.
