National Register of Historic Places listings in Johnson County, Wyoming facts for kids
Hey there, history explorers! Did you know that Johnson County, Wyoming is home to many amazing places that are super important to American history? These special spots are listed on something called the National Register of Historic Places. It's like a hall of fame for buildings, bridges, and even battlefields that tell us stories about the past.
In Johnson County, there are 28 of these cool historic places. One of them is even a National Historic Landmark, which means it's extra special and important to the whole country! Let's take a look at some of these incredible sites and learn about their history.
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Discovering Johnson County's Historic Treasures
Johnson County has a rich history, from old forts and battlefields to charming historic buildings. Each place on this list helps us understand what life was like long ago.
Historic Bridges and Crossings
Some of the oldest and most interesting structures in Johnson County are its bridges and river crossings. They were vital for travel and trade in the early days.
AJX Bridge over South Fork and Powder River
This old bridge, built in 1928, helped people cross the South Fork and Powder River. It was part of the old U.S. Route 87 near Kaycee. Imagine all the travelers and goods that crossed this bridge over the years!
EDL Peloux Bridge
Near Buffalo, you'll find the EDL Peloux Bridge. This bridge, built in 1929, is another example of early engineering that helped connect communities in Johnson County.
EDZ Irigary Bridge
Also built in 1929, the EDZ Irigary Bridge is located near Kaycee. These bridges are important because they show us how people built roads and helped transportation grow in Wyoming.
Powder River Station-Powder River Crossing
This historic site near Kaycee was a key stopping point for travelers. It was a place where people could cross the Powder River and rest during their long journeys.
Trabing Station-Crazy Woman Crossing
Another important crossing point was Trabing Station-Crazy Woman Crossing near Buffalo. These crossings were essential for pioneers and settlers moving through the area.
Forts and Battlefields
Johnson County has a dramatic past, including conflicts and military outposts. These sites remind us of important events in American history.
Cantonment Reno
Located north of Sussex, near the Powder River, Cantonment Reno was a temporary military camp. It was set up in 1876 during conflicts in the region.
Dull Knife Battlefield
North of Barnum, near Kaycee, is the Dull Knife Battlefield. This site marks a significant battle that took place in 1876. It was a major event during the Indian Wars.
Fort McKinney
About two miles west of Buffalo, Fort McKinney was an important military post. It was active from 1878 to 1894 and played a role in the settlement of Wyoming.
Fort Phil Kearny and Associated Sites
This is Johnson County's only National Historic Landmark! Located near Story, Fort Phil Kearny was a U.S. Army outpost built in 1866. It was a key site during the Red Cloud's War and saw many conflicts. It's a very important place for understanding the history of the American West.
Fort Reno
East of Sussex, also on the Powder River, is Fort Reno. This fort was built in 1865 and was one of the first military posts in the Powder River country.
Historic Buildings in Buffalo
The town of Buffalo has many beautiful old buildings that are listed on the National Register. They show us what the town looked like in its early days.
Blue Gables Motel
The Blue Gables Motel, built in 1947, is a cool example of early motels in Wyoming. It's part of a special group of historic motels that show how travel changed over time.
Carnegie Public Library
The Carnegie Public Library in Buffalo was built in 1909 with money from famous businessman Andrew Carnegie. It's a beautiful building that has served the community for over a century.
Holland House
The Holland House, built in 1910, is another historic home in Buffalo. It shows us the architectural styles popular in the early 20th century.
Johnson County Courthouse
The Johnson County Courthouse, built in 1909, is where many important decisions for the county have been made. It's a grand building that stands as a symbol of local government.
Main Street Historic District
Buffalo's Main Street Historic District includes many buildings along Main Street. This area shows what a busy town center looked like in the late 1800s and early 1900s. It's like stepping back in time!
Methodist Episcopal Church
The Methodist Episcopal Church, built in 1891, is a lovely example of historic church architecture in Buffalo. It has been a place of worship for generations.
St. Luke's Episcopal Church
Another historic church, St. Luke's Episcopal Church, was built in 1889. Its design and history reflect the early community life in Buffalo.
Union Congregational Church and Parsonage
This church and its parsonage (the minister's house) were built in 1884. They are important examples of early religious buildings in the area.
US Post Office-Buffalo Main
The main post office in Buffalo, built in 1937, is a historic building that has served the community for decades. It's a great example of government buildings from that era.
Ranches and Other Unique Sites
Wyoming is famous for its ranches, and Johnson County has some historic ones, along with other interesting places.
Beaver Creek Ranch Headquarters
The Beaver Creek Ranch Headquarters, established in 1881, is a historic ranch property. It shows us how important ranching was to the development of Wyoming.
HF Bar Ranch Historic District
Northwest of Buffalo, the HF Bar Ranch is a historic district that includes several buildings. It's one of the oldest and most famous dude ranches in Wyoming, offering visitors a taste of ranch life.
Lake Desmet Segment, Bozeman Trail
This segment of the Bozeman Trail near Buffalo is a historic pathway. The Bozeman Trail was a famous route used by pioneers and gold miners in the 1860s.
Spear-O-Wigwam Ranch
Near Story, the Spear-O-Wigwam Ranch was once a popular dude ranch. Now, it's a campus for Sheridan College, but it still holds its historic charm.
Sussex Post Office and Store
This building, located at Sussex Road and the Powder River, served as a vital community hub. It was a place where people could get mail and supplies in the early days.
TA Ranch Historic District
East of Wyoming Highway 196, the TA Ranch is a very famous historic district. It was a key location during the Johnson County War in 1892, a conflict between large cattle ranchers and smaller settlers.
World Bison Jump
Near Barnum, the World Bison Jump is an ancient site. Native American tribes used this spot to hunt bison by guiding them over a cliff. It's a powerful reminder of early human history in the area.
Images for kids
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AJX Bridge over South Fork and Powder River
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Blue Gables Motel
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Cantonment Reno
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Carnegie Public Library
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Dull Knife Battlefield
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EDL Peloux Bridge
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EDZ Irigary Bridge
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Fort Phil Kearny
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Fort Reno
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Holland House
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Johnson County Courthouse
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Lake Desmet Monument
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Occidental Hotel in the Main Street Historic District
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Methodist Episcopal Church
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Powder River Crossing
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St. Luke's Episcopal Church
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Sussex Post Office and Store
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TA Ranch Stable
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Crazy Woman Crossing
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Union Congregational Church
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US Post Office-Buffalo Main
