National Register of Historic Places listings in Kitsap County, Washington facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about the cool old buildings and places around you? In Kitsap County, Washington, there are many special spots that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a special list kept by the United States government to recognize places that are important to our country's history. When a place is on this list, it means it's worth protecting and remembering for future generations.
There are 21 amazing places in Kitsap County that are on this list. These include bridges, old forts, community halls, and even a famous shipyard! Let's explore some of these fantastic historic sites and learn why they are so important.
Cool Historic Places to Discover
Agate Pass Bridge
The Agate Pass Bridge was built in 1950. It's a really important bridge because it connects Bainbridge Island to the Kitsap Peninsula. Imagine how much easier it became for people to travel and connect after this bridge was built! It's a great example of mid-20th century engineering.
Camp Major Hopkins
Built in 1935, Camp Major Hopkins is now known as Camp Yeomalt. It's located on Bainbridge Island. This camp has been a place for people to gather and enjoy nature for many years. It's a reminder of how communities created spaces for recreation and outdoor activities, especially during the 1930s.
Filipino-American Community Hall
The Filipino-American Community Hall was built in 1930 on Bainbridge Island. This building is super important because it served as a central gathering place for the Filipino-American community. It helped people stay connected to their culture and support each other. It's a symbol of community spirit and heritage.
Fort Ward Historic District
Fort Ward was built way back in 1890 on Bainbridge Island. It was originally a military fort designed to protect the waters of Puget Sound. Later, during World War II, it became a secret listening station. Today, it's a park where you can explore old batteries and learn about its past. It's a fascinating place for anyone interested in military history!
Jackson Hall Memorial Community Hall
Located in Silverdale, Jackson Hall Memorial Community Hall was listed in 1995. It's also known as the Silverdale Scout Hall. This building has been a hub for community events and activities, especially for local scout troops. It shows how important community centers are for bringing people together.
The Navy Yard Puget Sound, also known as the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, is a really big deal! It's located in Bremerton and was listed as a National Historic Landmark in 1992. This shipyard played a huge role in World War II. When Japanese forces attacked Pearl Harbor, many US Navy ships were damaged. Five of those eight damaged battleships were brought here to be repaired and sent back into action. It's an incredible example of American industry and determination during wartime.
Charles F. Nelson House
The Charles F. Nelson House is a historic home located in Olalla. It was listed in 1973. This house gives us a peek into what life was like in the past in Kitsap County. It's a great example of the architecture and lifestyle of earlier times.
Point No Point Light
The Point No Point Light is a lighthouse located east of Hansville. It was built in 1879 and has been guiding ships safely through the waters ever since. Lighthouses are not just pretty buildings; they are vital tools that help sailors navigate, especially in foggy or stormy weather. This lighthouse is a beautiful piece of maritime history.
Port Gamble Historic District
The Port Gamble Historic District is a very special place. It's located on the northwest end of the Kitsap Peninsula. This whole town was founded in 1853 as a "company town," meaning it was built around a single business – a timber mill. This mill was the longest-running timber mill in the United States, finally closing in 1995! Many of the town's buildings were designed by a famous Seattle architect named Charles Bebb. Walking through Port Gamble is like stepping back in time to see what a historic logging town looked like.
US Post Office-Bremerton Main
The US Post Office-Bremerton Main building, located in Bremerton, was listed in 1991. Post offices are important buildings in any community, serving as centers for communication and connection. This building represents a piece of Bremerton's civic history and its role in connecting people through mail.
Former Listing
Sometimes, a place that was once on the National Register of Historic Places might be removed from the list. This usually happens if the building is destroyed or changes so much that it no longer has its historic value.
Hotel Sidney
The Hotel Sidney in Port Orchard was once on the National Register. It was listed in 1973 but was sadly removed in 1985 because it was destroyed by a fire. Even though the original building is gone, a replica now stands on its original foundation, reminding people of what was once there. It shows how important it is to protect our historic places, as they can be lost.