National Register of Historic Places listings in Kankakee County, Illinois facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about old buildings and places that are super important to history? In Kankakee County, Illinois, there are many such special spots! These places are so important that they are listed on something called the National Register of Historic Places. It's like a special club for buildings, areas, and sites that tell us a lot about the past.
When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized for its history, amazing architecture, or for being important to local or national events. It helps protect these places so future generations can learn from them too. Kankakee County has 16 different properties and areas that are part of this special list. Let's explore some of them!
Historic Homes and Buildings
Many of the places on the National Register are old homes or buildings that show us how people lived and worked a long time ago. They often have unique designs or were built by famous architects.
B. Harley Bradley House
The B. Harley Bradley House is a beautiful home located in Kankakee. It was built in 1900 and is special because it was designed by a very famous architect named Frank Lloyd Wright. He was known for his unique style, and this house is a great example of his early work. It's considered one of the first "Prairie Style" homes, which means it has long, low lines and blends in with the flat landscape around it.
Warren Hickox House
Also in Kankakee, the Warren Hickox House is another home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. It was built in 1900, just like the Bradley House. These two houses show how Wright was developing his new style of architecture. The Hickox House is also a great example of the Prairie Style, with its wide eaves and open floor plan.
Hunter–Hattenburg House
The Hunter–Hattenburg House is another historic home in Kankakee. It was built in 1905 and is known for its interesting design. It shows how homes were built in the early 1900s, with details that were popular at the time.
Charles E. Swannell House
The Charles E. Swannell House is also in Kankakee and was built around 1900. This house is a good example of the "Queen Anne" style of architecture, which was popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s. These homes often have towers, turrets, and decorative porches.
Lemuel Milk Carriage House
In Kankakee, you can also find the Lemuel Milk Carriage House. This building, from 1879, wasn't a home but a place to keep carriages and horses. It tells us about how people traveled and lived before cars became common. It's a reminder of a different time.
Important Public Places
Besides homes, the National Register also includes public buildings that were important to the community.
Illinois Central Railroad Depot
The Illinois Central Railroad Depot in Kankakee is a historic train station built in 1898. Train stations were once very busy places, connecting towns and cities across the country. This depot played a big role in Kankakee's growth and development, bringing people and goods to the area. It's a great example of how important railroads were.
Kankakee County Courthouse
The Kankakee County Courthouse is a grand building in Kankakee, built in 1909. Courthouses are where important legal decisions are made and where local government operates. This building is a symbol of justice and community in the county.
Edward Chipman Public Library
The Edward Chipman Public Library in Momence was built in 1912. Libraries are vital places for learning and community gathering. This library has served the people of Momence for over a century, providing books and resources.
Point School
The Point School is an old schoolhouse located near Grant Park. Built in 1853, it's a reminder of what schools were like long ago. It shows how education was provided in rural areas and how communities came together to build places for learning.
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Historic Districts and Sites
Sometimes, it's not just one building but a whole area that is considered historic. These are called "historic districts."
Downtown Momence Historic District
The Downtown Momence Historic District includes a large part of the old downtown area of Momence. This district has many buildings that were built between the late 1800s and early 1900s. Walking through this area is like stepping back in time, seeing the shops and buildings that made up the heart of the town.
Durham–Perry Farmstead
The Durham–Perry Farmstead in Bourbonnais is a historic farm. It includes old farm buildings and land that show how farming was done in the past. It helps us understand the agricultural history of Kankakee County.
Kankakee State Hospital Historic District
The Kankakee State Hospital Historic District is an area that was once part of a large hospital complex. Built in 1879, it was an important place for mental health care in Illinois. The district includes several historic buildings that show the architecture and design of such institutions from that era.
Riverview Historic District
The Riverview Historic District in Kankakee is a neighborhood with many beautiful old homes. It's located near the Kankakee River, and the homes were built mostly in the late 1800s and early 1900s. This district shows the residential history and architectural styles popular in Kankakee during that period.
Windrose Site
The Windrose Site is a very different kind of historic place. It's an archaeological site located in the Kankakee River Nature Preserve, west of Bradley. This means it's a place where archaeologists have found evidence of ancient human activity. It helps us learn about the very first people who lived in this area, long before any towns or buildings were built.
These are just some of the amazing historic places you can find in Kankakee County. Each one tells a unique story about the past and helps us understand how the area has changed over time.
