National Register of Historic Places listings in Kennebec County, Maine facts for kids
Welcome to Kennebec County, Maine! This area is full of amazing places that are super important to history. These special spots are listed on something called the National Register of Historic Places. Think of it like a Hall of Fame for buildings, sites, and areas that tell us a lot about the past.
In Kennebec County, there are 137 of these cool historic places. Seven of them are even more special and are called National Historic Landmarks. They are like the superstars of historic sites! These places help us remember and learn about the people and events that shaped Maine and the United States.
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What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is an official list kept by the United States government. It includes buildings, structures, objects, sites, and districts that are important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. When a place is added to this list, it means it's recognized as a valuable part of our country's heritage.
Why are these places important?
Listing a place on the National Register helps protect it. It encourages people to save and care for these historic treasures. It also means that certain rules apply if changes are planned, making sure the history isn't lost. These places are like open books, teaching us about how people lived long ago.
Cool Historic Places to Discover
Kennebec County has many fascinating places on the National Register. Let's explore a few that might spark your interest!
Fort Western
One of the oldest and most important sites is Fort Western in Augusta. This fort was built way back in 1754, even before the United States was a country! It was a trading post and a military fort during a time when settlers and Native Americans were interacting a lot. It's a great place to imagine what life was like centuries ago.
Fort Halifax
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Another cool fort is Fort Halifax in Winslow. Built in 1754, just like Fort Western, it's one of the oldest blockhouses (a type of small fort) in the United States. It played a role in protecting early settlements along the Kennebec River.
The Blaine House
In Augusta, you'll find The Blaine House. This beautiful mansion is the official home of Maine's Governor. It was built in 1833 and later owned by James G. Blaine, a famous politician from Maine. It's a great example of historic architecture and a symbol of Maine's government.
Cobbossee Lighthouse
Did you know there's a lighthouse in Kennebec County? The Cobbossee Lighthouse is on Ladies Delight Island in Winthrop. It was built in 1908 and is one of the few inland lighthouses in Maine. It helped guide boats on Cobbosseecontee Lake.
Cumston Hall
Cumston Hall in Monmouth is a truly unique building. It was built between 1899 and 1900 and looks like something out of a fairy tale! It was designed by Harry Hayman Cochrane and serves as a public hall and library. Its amazing design makes it a local landmark.
Arnold Trail to Quebec
Imagine a long, tough journey through the wilderness! The Arnold Trail to Quebec marks the path taken by Benedict Arnold and his troops in 1775 during the American Revolutionary War. They tried to capture Quebec City in Canada. This historic trail runs along the Kennebec River and through several counties, including Kennebec. It reminds us of the incredible challenges faced by early American soldiers.
Maine State House
The Maine State House in Augusta is where Maine's laws are made. It was designed by Charles Bulfinch, a famous architect, and completed in 1832. This grand building is a symbol of Maine's government and history. It's where important decisions for the state are made every day.
Historic Districts
Some listings on the National Register aren't just single buildings, but whole areas called "historic districts." These districts have many buildings that together show the history and development of a community.
- The Hallowell Historic District in Hallowell is a great example. It includes many old buildings on the hillside that show how the town grew.
- The Gardiner Historic District in Gardiner focuses on the Water Street area, showing its importance as a busy center.
- The Winthrop Street Historic District in Augusta also protects a group of historic buildings, including the Lithgow Library.
Former Listings
Sometimes, a place might be removed from the National Register. This usually happens if the building is destroyed or changed so much that it loses its historic importance.
- The Christian Science Church in Gardiner was once listed but later removed.
- The Shrewsbury Round Barn in Winslow was also removed from the list.
These places, even if no longer listed, still have a story to tell about their past.
Images for kids
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D.V. Adams Co.-Bussell and Weston
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Alls Souls Church
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Former Augusta City Hall
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Charles M. Bailey Public Library
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Moses Bailey House
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Algernon Bangs House
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Bond Street Historic District
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Brown Memorial Library
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Capitol Complex Historic District
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Christ Episcopal Church
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Major Reuben Colburn House
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Colonial Theater
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Old Cony High School
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Gov. Samuel Cony House
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Crosby Street Historic District
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Cushnoc Archeological Site
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Doughty Block
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East Vassalboro Grist and Saw Mill
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Dr. J.W. Ellis House
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First Baptist Church
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Fuller-Weston House
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Gardiner Historic District
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Gardiner Railroad Station
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Governor's House
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Hallowell Historic District
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Gov. John F. Hill Mansion
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Ella R. Hodgkins Intermediate School
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Journal Building
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Kennebec Arsenal
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Kennebec County Courthouse
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Kent's Hill School Historic District
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Kresge Building
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Libby-Hill Block
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The Lion (locomotive)
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Lithgow Library
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Lockwood Mill Historic District
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Maine Industrial School for Girls Historic District
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Maine Insane Hospital
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Masonic Hall
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Memorial Hall
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Moody Mansion
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Lot Morrill House
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Noble Block
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Oakland Public Library
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Oaklands
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Old Post Office
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Pittston Congregational Church
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South Parish Congregational Church and Parish House
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St. Mark's Episcopal Church
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St. Mary's Church
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Starling Grange #156 (former)
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Sturgis and Haskell Building
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Tappan-Viles House
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Togus VA Medical Center and National Cemetery
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Two Cent Bridge
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Universalist-Unitarian Church
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Vickery Building
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Waterville Main Street Historic District
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Waterville Opera House and City Hall
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Waterville Post Office
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Whitehouse Block
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Williams Block
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Wing Family Cemetery
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Winthrop Street Historic District
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