National Register of Historic Places listings in Knox County, Maine facts for kids
Knox County, Maine, is a beautiful area with a rich history! Many special places here are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a national list of important buildings, sites, and objects that tell us about America's past.
When a place is on this list, it means it's worth protecting. It helps us remember and learn about the people and events that shaped our country. In Knox County, there are 96 such places. Ten of them are even more special; they are called National Historic Landmarks. These are considered super important to the history of the entire United States!
Contents
- Historic Schooners of Knox County
- Important Buildings and Districts
- Historic Lighthouses
- Browns Head Light Station
- Curtis Island Light
- Goose Rocks Light Station
- Heron Neck Light Station
- Indian Island Light Station
- Isle Au Haut Light Station
- Marshall Point Light Station
- Matinicus Rock Light Station
- Owls Head Light Station
- Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse
- Saddleback Ledge Light Station
- Tenants Harbor Light Station
- Whitehead Light Station
- Other Notable Historic Sites
- Images for kids
Historic Schooners of Knox County
Knox County is famous for its connection to the sea, especially its historic sailing ships called schooners. Several of these beautiful vessels are on the National Register of Historic Places. They remind us of Maine's strong shipbuilding and maritime heritage.
The American Eagle Schooner
The American Eagle is a two-masted schooner built in 1930. It's a National Historic Landmark and can be found in Rockland Harbor. This ship shows us how important sailing was for trade and travel long ago.
The Grace Bailey Schooner
Another amazing two-masted schooner is the Grace Bailey. Built in 1882, it's one of the oldest wooden schooners still sailing! It's also a National Historic Landmark and sails from Camden Harbor. Imagine what stories this ship could tell!
The Isaac H. Evans Schooner
The Isaac H. Evans is a schooner built in 1886. It's another National Historic Landmark located in Rockland Harbor. These ships were once used for fishing and carrying cargo. Today, they often take people on scenic cruises.
The J. & E. Riggin Schooner
Built in 1927, the J. & E. Riggin is a schooner that also calls Rockland Harbor home. It's recognized as a National Historic Landmark. These schooners are living museums, showing us how people lived and worked on the water.
The Lewis R. French Schooner
The Lewis R. French is a schooner built in 1871. It's one of the oldest schooners still operating in the United States! This National Historic Landmark is found in Camden Harbor. It's a true survivor from a bygone era.
The Mercantile Schooner
The Mercantile is a schooner built in 1916. It's a National Historic Landmark located in Camden Harbor. These historic ships are carefully maintained so future generations can enjoy them.
The Stephen Taber Schooner
The Stephen Taber is a schooner built in 1871. It's another National Historic Landmark in Rockland Harbor. It's amazing that ships from so long ago are still sailing today!
The Victory Chimes Schooner
The Victory Chimes is a large three-masted schooner built in 1900. It's a National Historic Landmark and can be seen in Rockland Harbor. It's one of the last remaining East Coast cargo schooners.
The Surprise Schooner
The Surprise is another schooner located in Camden Harbor. It was built in 1918. This ship is also on the National Register of Historic Places, showing its importance to maritime history.
Important Buildings and Districts
Knox County also has many historic buildings and areas that are listed on the National Register. These places show us how people lived, worked, and built their communities over time.
Camden Public Library and Amphitheater
The Camden Amphitheater and Public Library, located at 55 Main Street in Camden, is a special place. It's a National Historic Landmark. The library is a beautiful building, and the outdoor amphitheater is a unique space for events.
Olson House in Cushing
The Olson House, located on Hathorn Point Road in Cushing, is a very famous place. It's a National Historic Landmark. The famous American artist Andrew Wyeth spent many summers here. He painted some of his most well-known works, like "Christina's World," inspired by this house and its surroundings.
Knox County Courthouse
The Knox County Courthouse, located at 62 Union Street in Rockland, is an important building. It was built in 1874 and is where many local government activities happen. It's a great example of historic architecture.
Farnsworth Homestead
The Farnsworth Homestead, at 21 Elm Street in Rockland, is a historic home. It was built in 1850. This house is part of the Farnsworth Art Museum, which celebrates Maine's role in American art.
Norumbega Castle
Norumbega, located on High Street in Camden, looks like a real castle! It was built in 1886 as a private home. It's a grand example of Victorian architecture and is now a bed and breakfast.
Rankin Block
The Rankin Block, at 600-610 Main Street in Rockland, is a historic commercial building. It shows the kind of businesses and shops that were important in Rockland's past.
Security Trust Building
The Security Trust Building, at Elm and Main Streets in Rockland, is another significant commercial building. It was built in 1904. Its design reflects the architectural styles popular at the time.
Strand Theatre
The Strand Theatre, at 345 Main Street in Rockland, is a historic movie theater. It opened in 1923 and still shows movies and hosts live performances today. It's a great example of an old-fashioned movie palace.
Thomaston Historic District
The Thomaston Historic District is an area in Thomaston that includes many historic buildings. It runs along Blue Star Memorial Highway. This district helps preserve the town's unique character and history.
Conway House
The Conway House, on Conway Road in Camden, is a historic home. It was built around 1770. This house gives us a glimpse into what life was like in colonial Maine.
Rockland Public Library
The Rockland Public Library, on Union Street in Rockland, is a beautiful public building. It was built in 1903. Libraries are important places for learning and community.
Historic Lighthouses
Lighthouses are very important in Maine, guiding ships safely along the coast. Several lighthouses in Knox County are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Browns Head Light Station
The Browns Head Light Station is located at Browns Head in Vinalhaven. It was built in 1832. Lighthouses like this one have saved countless lives over the centuries.
Curtis Island Light
The Curtis Island Light is located about 3.8 miles from Camden Harbor in Penobscot Bay. It was first lit in 1835. It's a picturesque lighthouse that marks the entrance to Camden Harbor.
Goose Rocks Light Station
The Goose Rocks Light Station is at the East Entrance to the Fox Islands Thorofare, near North Haven. It was built in 1890. This lighthouse stands on a small island, warning ships of dangerous rocks.
Heron Neck Light Station
The Heron Neck Light Station is on Heron Neck on Greens Island, near Vinalhaven. It was built in 1854. Lighthouses often have a keeper's house nearby where the lighthouse keeper and their family lived.
Indian Island Light Station
The Indian Island Light Station is on Indian Island in Rockport Harbor. It was built in 1875. This lighthouse helps guide boats into the busy harbor of Rockport.
Isle Au Haut Light Station
The Isle Au Haut Light Station is at Robinson Point on Isle Au Haut. It was built in 1907. This lighthouse is in a more remote location, serving the island community.
Marshall Point Light Station
The Marshall Point Light Station is at Marshall Point in Port Clyde Harbor. It was built in 1832. This lighthouse is famous for its long walkway leading to the light.
Matinicus Rock Light Station
The Matinicus Rock Light Station is on Matinicus Rock, far out in the ocean near Matinicus Isle. It was built in 1848. This is one of the most exposed lighthouses in Maine, facing the full force of ocean storms.
Owls Head Light Station
The Owls Head Light Station is northeast of Owls Head on West Penobscot Bay. It was built in 1825. This lighthouse sits on a high cliff, offering amazing views.
Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse
The Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse is located at the end of the long Rockland Breakwater in Rockland Harbor. It was built in 1902. The breakwater itself is also a historic structure, protecting the harbor.
Saddleback Ledge Light Station
The Saddleback Ledge Light Station is on Saddleback Ledge at Isle Au Haut Bay. It was built in 1839. This lighthouse stands on a small, rocky outcrop, a testament to the challenges of building in the sea.
Tenants Harbor Light Station
The Tenants Harbor Light Station is on Southern Island, near Tenants Harbor. It was built in 1857. This lighthouse helps guide boats into the busy fishing harbor.
Whitehead Light Station
The Whitehead Light Station is on the eastern side of Whitehead Island, near Tenants Harbor. It was built in 1807. This lighthouse has a long history of serving mariners.
Other Notable Historic Sites
Beyond ships and lighthouses, Knox County has other unique historic places.
Georges River Canal
The Georges River Canal is a historic waterway that runs from the Upper Falls of the Georges River in Warren to the Union town line. It was built in the 1840s to help transport goods. It's a reminder of early transportation efforts in Maine.
Rockport Historic Kiln Area
The Rockport Historic Kiln Area is on the western side of the mouth of the Goose River in Rockport. These kilns were used to make lime, a very important product in the 1800s. It shows the industrial history of the area.
Spite House
The Spite House, located at Deadman's Point in Rockport, has a very interesting story! It was built in 1905. The legend says it was built to block a neighbor's view, hence the name "Spite House."
Images for kids
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Location of Knox County in Maine.
