National Register of Historic Places listings in Lake County, Minnesota facts for kids
Hey there! Did you know that all across the United States, there are special places, buildings, and even shipwrecks that are super important to history? These places are listed on something called the National Register of Historic Places. It's like a hall of fame for historical sites!
This list is all about the amazing historic spots right here in Lake County, Minnesota. There are 22 cool places on this list, and one of them is even a National Historic Landmark, which is an extra special title! Let's explore some of these awesome historical treasures.
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Cool Shipwrecks and Boats
Lake Superior is a huge lake, and it has seen many ships over the years. Some of these ships ended up at the bottom, and now they are important historical sites!
The Benjamin Noble Shipwreck
A Sunken Steel Freighter
The Benjamin Noble was a big steel ship built in 1909. It was a bulk freighter, meaning it carried lots of cargo. Sadly, this ship sank in 1914. Its wreck is now resting about 8 miles from Knife Island. It's a reminder of the busy shipping history on Lake Superior.
The Edna G Tugboat
A Hardworking Harbor Helper
The Edna G is a famous tugboat that worked for a very long time, from 1896 all the way to 1981! Her job was to help guide large ore ships safely into the harbor at Two Harbors. She was super important for the shipping industry. Today, you can visit the Edna G because she's now a museum ship!
The Hesper Shipwreck Site
A Stormy End for a Freighter
The Hesper was another large freight ship. It was launched in 1890 and carried goods like iron ore and grain across the Great Lakes. In 1905, a big spring storm caused the Hesper to sink near Silver Bay. The wreck is still very well-preserved today, showing us what these ships looked like.
The Madeira Shipwreck
A Unique Schooner-Barge
The Madeira was a special kind of ship called a schooner-barge. These ships had sails but were also towed by other vessels. The Madeira was built in 1900. It was wrecked during a terrible storm in 1905, known as the Mataafa Storm. This shipwreck is important because it's one of the only known remains of this type of ship. Its sinking even helped lead to the building of the famous Split Rock Lighthouse nearby!
The Samuel P. Ely Shipwreck
A Dramatic Rescue Story
The Samuel P. Ely was a large ship that carried iron ore. It was built around 1870. In 1896, during a storm, the Samuel P. Ely crashed against the breakwater in Two Harbors. Luckily, everyone on board was rescued in a very dramatic way! This shipwreck is a key part of the local history and a great example of early ore ships.
Historic Buildings and Landmarks
Lake County has many old buildings that tell stories about the people who lived and worked here long ago.
Duluth and Iron Range Railroad Company Depot
A Busy Train Station
This large train station was built in 1907 in Two Harbors. It was a very important spot for the Duluth and Iron Range Railroad. This railroad helped connect the iron and lumber areas of northern Minnesota to Lake Superior, where goods could be shipped out. Today, this historic depot is a museum where you can learn all about its past.
John Dwan Office Building
Where 3M Began
The John Dwan Office Building was built in 1898 in Two Harbors. This building is super important because it's where the huge international company 3M got its start! The company was officially created here in 1902 and had its main office here from 1903 to 1916. Now, it's also a museum.
Lake County Courthouse and Sheriff's Residence
Old Government Buildings
In Two Harbors, you can find the old Lake County Courthouse and the Sheriff's Residence. The sheriff's residence and jail were built around 1887 in the beautiful Queen Anne style. The courthouse, built in 1906, is in the Beaux-Arts style. These buildings were the center of government for Lake County for many years and show us different styles of public buildings from the past.
Larsmont School
A Community's Heart
The Larsmont School was built in 1914 in Larsmont. This school was the main gathering place for a community that was started in the early 1900s by immigrants from Finland who spoke Swedish. It was a very important building for the people living there.
Two Harbors Carnegie Library
A Gift of Knowledge
The Two Harbors Carnegie Library was built in 1909. It's a special kind of library because it was funded by Andrew Carnegie, a very rich businessman who helped build many libraries across the country. This library was the only public library in Lake County until 1955! It's a great example of how important libraries were for communities.
Two Harbors Light Station
The Oldest Lighthouse on the North Shore
The Two Harbors Light Station was built in 1892. It's the oldest lighthouse that is still working on the North Shore of Lake Superior! This lighthouse was key in making Two Harbors the main port for shipping iron ore on Lake Superior. Today, it's a museum run by the Lake County Historical Society, and you can even stay there as a bed & breakfast!
Parks and Nature Spots
Lake County is also home to beautiful natural areas with historic features.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Built by Hardworking Hands
Gooseberry Falls State Park is a beautiful park northeast of Two Harbors. Many of the buildings and facilities in the park were built between 1933 and 1941 by workers from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA). These were special government programs during the Great Depression that helped people find jobs. The buildings are known for their amazing stonework and rustic style.
Halfway Ranger Station (Kawishiwi Field Laboratory)
A Forest Outpost
The Halfway Ranger Station, now called the Kawishiwi Field Laboratory, is located in Fall Lake Township. Most of this log building complex was built in the mid-1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps for the Superior National Forest. It's a great example of the Rustic Style architecture used in national parks and forests.
Isabella Ranger Station
Home for Forest Workers
The Isabella Ranger Station, near Isabella, is another log building complex built in 1935. It was also constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps for workers of the Superior National Forest. These buildings were homes for the people who helped manage and protect our forests.
Split Rock Lighthouse
A Famous Landmark on the Cliffs
Split Rock Lighthouse is one of the most famous lighthouses in Minnesota! It sits high on a cliff about 20 miles northeast of Two Harbors. It was built between 1909 and 1910 after many ships sank in storms. This lighthouse was super important for the safety of commercial shipping on the Great Lakes. It's now a museum and was even named a National Historic Landmark in 2011!
Tettegouche Camp Historic District
A Remote Resort Getaway
The Tettegouche Camp Historic District is a remote group of buildings near Silver Bay. Most of these 11 buildings were constructed between 1910 and 1925. This area was a private resort, showing us what early-20th-century vacation spots were like in northern Minnesota. The buildings are built in a rustic style that fits right into the natural surroundings.
Images for kids
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Bridge No. 3589-Silver Creek Township
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Duluth and Iron Range Railroad Company Depot
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John Dwan Office Building
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Edna G Tugboat
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Gooseberry Falls State Park
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Halfway Ranger Station
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Hesper Shipwreck Site
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Isabella Ranger Station
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Lake County Courthouse and Sheriff's Residence
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Larsmont School
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Madeira (Schooner-Barge) Shipwreck
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Edward and Lisa Mattson House and Fish House
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Samuel P. Ely Shipwreck
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Split Rock Lighthouse
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Two Harbors Carnegie Library
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Two Harbors Light Station
