National Register of Historic Places listings in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania facts for kids
This article is about special places in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This register is like a national "hall of fame" for buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. When a place is added to this list, it means it's recognized for its unique value and efforts are made to protect it for future generations.
There are 9 amazing properties and districts in Lawrence County that have earned a spot on this important list. Let's explore some of them!
Contents
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation's historic places worthy of preservation. It's part of a program by the United States government to help protect historic and archaeological sites. Being on the list doesn't stop a private owner from changing their property, but it does offer some benefits, like special tax breaks or grants, to help keep these places looking great and lasting a long time. It also helps people learn about the history of their local area and the country.
Historic Places in Lawrence County
Lawrence County is home to several fascinating historic sites. Each one tells a part of the story of this area.
Banks Covered Bridge
The Banks Covered Bridge is a beautiful old wooden bridge located southeast of New Wilmington. Covered bridges are special because their roofs and sides protect the wooden structure from the weather, helping them last much longer. This bridge was added to the National Register in 1980, showing how important it is as a piece of history and engineering. It's a great example of how people built things a long time ago.
Lawrence County Courthouse
The Lawrence County Courthouse is a grand building located on Court Street in New Castle. Courthouses are often important landmarks in a city because they are where local government and legal matters take place. This courthouse was recognized for its historical value in 1978. Its architecture often tells a story about the time it was built, making it a significant part of the city's heritage.
McClelland Homestead
The McClelland Homestead is an old farm or home located northeast of Bessemer in North Beaver Township. A "homestead" usually refers to a family's original home and land, often passed down through generations. This site was added to the National Register in 1989, meaning it has historical importance, perhaps related to early settlers, farming practices, or the family who lived there.
McConnell's Mill Covered Bridge
Another charming covered bridge in the county is McConnell's Mill Covered Bridge. You can find it north of Portersville and south of Rose Point in Slippery Rock Township. Like the Banks Covered Bridge, this one also joined the National Register in 1980. These bridges are not just ways to cross water; they are also beautiful examples of old-time craftsmanship and a link to the past.
New Castle Armory
The New Castle Armory is a historic building located at 820 Frank Avenue in Shenango Township. An "armory" is typically a place where military equipment is stored or where soldiers train. This armory was listed in 1991, suggesting it played a role in local military history or has interesting architectural features from its time.
North Hill Historic District
The North Hill Historic District is a special area in New Castle that includes several streets like Delaware, Neshannock, and Fairmont Avenues. A "historic district" means that a whole group of buildings or an entire neighborhood is considered historically important, not just one single building. This district was added to the National Register in 2000, showing that the collection of homes and buildings there tells an important story about the city's development and architecture.
Old Homestead
The Old Homestead is another historic home, found northwest of Enon Valley, off Pennsylvania Route 351 in Little Beaver Township. It was listed in 1980. Like the McClelland Homestead, this property likely represents early settlement or farming life in the area, offering a glimpse into how people lived many years ago.
S.R. Thompson House
The S.R. Thompson House is a historic home located at 400 Market Street in New Wilmington. This house was added to the National Register in 1985. Often, houses are listed because of their unique architectural style, or because an important person lived there, or because they represent a certain time period in the town's history.
Scottish Rite Cathedral
The Scottish Rite Cathedral is a grand building at 110 East Lincoln Avenue in New Castle. Cathedrals are usually large, impressive buildings, often associated with religious or fraternal organizations. This one was listed in 2008, making it one of the more recently added sites in Lawrence County. Its size and design likely make it a notable landmark in New Castle.
Images for kids
-
The northern entrance of the Banks Covered Bridge.
-
Inside the Lawrence County Courthouse, showing its grand staircase.
-
The historic McClelland Homestead.
-
The McConnell's Mill Covered Bridge on a sunny day.
-
The New Castle Armory building.
-
A street view in the North Hill Historic District.
-
The Old Homestead, a historic house near Enon Valley.
-
The S.R. Thompson House.
-
The impressive Scottish Rite Cathedral in New Castle.
