National Register of Historic Places listings in Lafayette County, Mississippi facts for kids

Location of Lafayette County in Mississippi

Did you know that some buildings and places are so special they are officially recognized as important parts of history? In Lafayette County, Mississippi, there are many such places! This article will tell you about the historic buildings and areas in Lafayette County that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list kept by the United States government.

When a place is on the National Register, it means it's worth protecting because of its history, architecture, or what happened there. Some places are even more important and are called National Historic Landmarks. Lafayette County is home to 17 amazing historic spots, and 4 of them are National Historic Landmarks! Let's explore some of these cool places.

Discovering History in Lafayette County

The National Register of Historic Places helps us remember and protect important parts of America's past. Think of it like a hall of fame for buildings, neighborhoods, and other sites that tell a story about how people lived, worked, or created amazing things. When a place is added to this list, it gets special recognition and sometimes even help to keep it safe for future generations.

A National Historic Landmark is an even higher honor! These are places that are considered to be super important to the history of the entire United States, not just a local area. Lafayette County is lucky to have four of these very special landmarks.

Important Historic Places in Oxford

Most of the historic places in Lafayette County are found in the city of Oxford. This city has a rich history, and many of its old buildings tell fascinating tales.

Ammadelle

Ammadelle, a beautiful historic home.

Ammadelle is a grand house located at 637 North Lamar Street in Oxford. It was added to the National Register in 1974 and is also a National Historic Landmark. This home is known for its unique and beautiful architecture, showing off styles popular in the past.

Barnard Observatory

Barnard Observatory on the University of Mississippi campus.

Found on the University of Mississippi campus in Oxford, Barnard Observatory became a historic site in 1978. It was once a cutting-edge observatory, used for studying the stars and planets. It's a great example of how science and learning were important in the past.

William Faulkner House (Rowan Oak)

Rowan Oak, the home of William Faulkner.

This famous house, also known as Rowan Oak, was the home of Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner. Located on Old Taylor Road in Oxford, it was listed as a National Historic Landmark way back in 1968. Faulkner lived and wrote many of his famous stories here, making it a very important place for American literature.

Isom Place

Isom Place in Oxford.

Isom Place, at 1003 Jefferson Avenue in Oxford, was added to the National Register in 1980. This historic home offers a glimpse into the lives of people who lived in Oxford many years ago.

Lafayette County Courthouse

The Lafayette County Courthouse.

The Lafayette County Courthouse stands proudly in Courthouse Square in Oxford. It was recognized as a historic place in 1977. Courthouses are often central to a town's history, as they are where important decisions were made and justice was served.

Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus Lamar House

The Lucius Q. C. Lamar House.

The home of Lucius Q. C. Lamar, a very important politician and statesman, is located at 616 North 14th Street in Oxford. It became a National Historic Landmark in 1975. Lamar played a significant role in American politics during the 19th century.

Lyceum-The Circle Historic District

The Lyceum at the University of Mississippi.

This historic district is found at the University Circle on the University of Mississippi campus. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2008. The Lyceum building and the surrounding "Circle" area are iconic parts of the university's history and architecture.

North Lamar Historic District

A street view in the North Lamar Historic District.

The North Lamar Historic District in Oxford includes an area roughly bounded by North 11th, Price, North 16th, and Van Buren Streets. This entire neighborhood was recognized as a historic district in 2007. Historic districts are special because they protect many old buildings together, preserving the look and feel of an older time.

Oxford Courthouse Square Historic District

The Oxford Courthouse Square Historic District.

Another important historic district in Oxford is the Oxford Courthouse Square Historic District. It includes South Lamar Boulevard and Jackson and Van Buren Avenues. This area, listed in 1980, is the heart of Oxford, with many historic buildings surrounding the courthouse.

St. Peter's Episcopal Church

St. Peter's Episcopal Church.

St. Peter's Episcopal Church, located at 113 South 9th Street in Oxford, was added to the National Register in 1975. Churches often serve as important community centers and have beautiful architecture that tells us about the past.

South Lamar Historic District

A view of the South Lamar Historic District.

The South Lamar Historic District in Oxford, including South Lamar Boulevard and University Avenue, was listed in 2009. Like the North Lamar district, it helps preserve the historic character of a significant part of the city.

George Wright Young House

The George Wright Young House.

The George Wright Young House, at 100 County Road 233 in Oxford, became a historic site in 2007. This house is another example of the unique homes that make up Lafayette County's rich history.

Historic Churches and Other Sites

Beyond Oxford, Lafayette County has other important historic places, especially some beautiful old churches.

College Church

College Church in College Hill.

College Church, on College Hill Road in College Hill, was added to the National Register in 1979. This church is a significant landmark for the College Hill community, reflecting its long history.

Hopewell Presbyterian Church

Hopewell Presbyterian Church.

Hopewell Presbyterian Church, located at 2070 Mississippi Highway 10 near Oxford, was listed in 1999. This church has served its community for many years and holds a special place in local history.

Sand Spring Presbyterian Church

Sand Spring Presbyterian Church.

The Sand Spring Presbyterian Church is found at the junction of County Roads 354 and 399 in Orwood, northwest of Water Valley. It was recognized as a historic place in 1993. This church is a testament to the early communities in Lafayette County.

Images for kids

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  Ammadelle

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  Barnard Observatory

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  College Church

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  William Faulkner House (Rowan Oak)

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  Hopewell Presbyterian Church

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  Isom Place

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  Lafayette County Courthouse

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  Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus Lamar House

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  Lyceum-The Circle Historic District

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  North Lamar Historic District

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  Oxford Courthouse Square Historic District

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  Sand Spring Presbyterian Church

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  St. Peter's Episcopal Church

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  South Lamar Historic District

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  George Wright Young House