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National Register of Historic Places listings in LaPorte County, Indiana facts for kids

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The National Register of Historic Places is a special list of buildings, places, and areas in the United States that are important to history. These places are recognized for their unique architecture, historical events, or cultural significance.

In LaPorte County, Indiana, there are 34 places on this list! These include old houses, churches, lighthouses, and even entire neighborhoods. They help us remember the past and understand how people lived and worked long ago. One place was on the list but has since been removed.

When a place is on the National Register, it means it's a valuable part of our heritage. It helps protect these sites for future generations to learn from and enjoy.

Map of Indiana highlighting LaPorte County
See where LaPorte County is in Indiana!

Cool Historic Places in LaPorte County

Let's explore some of the interesting places in LaPorte County that are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Historic Homes and Farms

Many old homes and farms in LaPorte County have a special place in history.

Ames Family Homestead

The Ames Family Homestead is a historic farm located northwest of LaPorte. It was added to the National Register in 2012. This homestead shows us what farm life was like in the past.

Field at the Ames Family Homestead
A field at the historic Ames Family Homestead.

Barker House

The Barker House in Michigan City is a beautiful old home. Today, it serves as offices for the Shirley Heinze Land Trust, which works to protect natural areas. It's also near the Barker Woods Nature Preserve.

John H. Barker Mansion

Also in Michigan City, the John H. Barker Mansion is a grand building. It was listed in 1975 and now functions as the Michigan City Civic Center. Imagine the history within its walls!

Barker Mansion P7190107
The grand John H. Barker Mansion.

John and Isabel Burnham House

This house is located in Long Beach. It was added to the list in 2013. It's a great example of the unique homes built in the area.

Garrettson-Baine-Bartholomew House

Found on Franklin Street in Michigan City, this house was recognized in 2001. It's another example of the beautiful historic homes in the city.

John and Cynthia Garwood Farmstead

This farmstead, west of LaPorte, was listed in 2012. It gives us a glimpse into the agricultural history of the county.

John and Cynthia Garwood Farmhouse
The John and Cynthia Garwood Farmhouse.

Hoover-Timme House

Another historic home in Long Beach, the Hoover-Timme House, was added to the Register in 2013.

Lowell E. and Paula G. Jackson House

This house in Long Beach was also listed in 2013. It's part of the rich architectural history of the area.

George and Adele Jaworowski House

Located in Duneland Beach, this house was recognized in 2013. It's a unique part of the Michigan Township area.

Francis H. Morrison House

In LaPorte, the Francis H. Morrison House was added in 1984. It's a significant part of LaPorte's historic homes.

William Orr House

West of LaPorte, the William Orr House was listed in 1984. It's another example of the historic farmhouses in Center Township.

Pinehurst Hall

Northwest of LaPorte, Pinehurst Hall was added to the Register in 1976. It's a notable building with a long history.

Scott-Rumley House

The Scott-Rumley House in LaPorte was listed in 2016. It's one of the more recently added historic homes.

Everel S. Smith House

In Westville, the Everel S. Smith House was recognized in 1990. It's an important part of Westville's heritage.

Everel S Smith House P7190136
The Everel S. Smith House in Westville.

Historic Districts and Areas

Some entire areas or neighborhoods are recognized for their historical importance.

Downtown LaPorte Historic District

This district covers the downtown area of LaPorte. It includes many historic buildings roughly bounded by State, Jackson, Maple, and Chicago Streets. It was listed in 1983.

Laporte County Indiana courthouse 2
The LaPorte County Courthouse, part of the Downtown LaPorte Historic District.

Elston Grove Historic District

In Michigan City, the Elston Grove Historic District is a historic neighborhood. It's bounded by Michigan Boulevard and 11th, Pine, and 6th Streets. It was added in 2013.

Franklin Street Commercial Historic District

This district in Michigan City includes many historic commercial buildings on Franklin Street. It's bounded by Pine, 4th, and 11th Streets, and an alley. It was listed in 2013.

Franklin Street, downtown Michigan City
Franklin Street in downtown Michigan City.

Haskell and Barker Historic District

Another Michigan City district, this one covers Washington and Wabash between 4th and Homer Streets. It was added in 2014.

Indiana and Michigan Avenues Historic District

This district in LaPorte includes areas around Indiana and Michigan Avenues. It was listed in 2014 and features historic buildings like the LaPorte Carnegie Library.

LaPorte Carnegie library
The LaPorte Carnegie Library, part of a historic district.

Washington Park

Washington Park in Michigan City is a large historic area. It's roughly bounded by Lake Michigan, Krueger Street, Trail Creek, and other roads. It was recognized in 1991.

Monument at Washington Park in Michigan City
A monument in Washington Park, Michigan City.

Special Buildings and Structures

LaPorte County also has unique buildings and structures on the Register.

First Congregational Church of Michigan City

This beautiful church on Washington Street in Michigan City was listed in 2001. It's an important part of the city's religious and architectural history.

1st Congregational P7190096
The First Congregational Church of Michigan City.

Michigan City East Pierhead Light Tower and Elevated Walk

This lighthouse stands on the eastern side of the entrance to Michigan City Harbor. It was added to the Register in 1988 and is a key landmark.

MichiganCityLight
The Michigan City East Pierhead Light Tower.

Michigan City Lighthouse

Also known as the Old Michigan City Light, this lighthouse is located in Washington Park. It was listed in 1974 and is a popular historical site.

OldMichiganCityLight
The historic Michigan City Lighthouse.

Michigan City Post Office

The old Michigan City Post Office building on East 5th Street was listed in 2000. In 2010, it was being used as a law office, showing how historic buildings can find new uses.

Old Post Office P7190094 Mich City
The old Michigan City Post Office building.

Pinhook Methodist Church and Cemetery

Northeast of Westville, this church and its cemetery on State Road 2 were added to the Register in 2009. It's a place with deep community roots.

Pinhook Methodist LaPorte County Indiana PC300078
The Pinhook Methodist Church.

Marion Ridgeway Polygonal Barn

This unique barn is located north of LaPorte on U.S. Route 35. It's called "polygonal" because it has many sides, not just four! It was listed in 1993.

Marion Ridgeway Polygonal Barn
The unique Marion Ridgeway Polygonal Barn.

Other Notable Listings

MUSKEGON Shipwreck Site

Yes, even shipwrecks can be historic! The MUSKEGON Shipwreck Site near Michigan City was added to the Register in 1989. Its exact location is kept secret to protect it.

Address restricted
An image representing a restricted address site.

Former Listing

Sometimes, a place is removed from the National Register. This can happen if the building is destroyed or changes too much.

Michigan Central Railroad Engine Repair Shops

The Michigan Central Railroad Engine Repair Shops in Michigan City were listed in 1975 but removed in 1978. This means the building either no longer exists or lost its historical features.

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National Register of Historic Places listings in LaPorte County, Indiana Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.