National Register of Historic Places listings in Lee County, Mississippi facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about old buildings or places that have a special story? In Lee County, Mississippi, there are many such spots! These places are so important that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list kept by the United States government. It helps protect and celebrate buildings, sites, and districts that are important to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture.
Lee County is home to 25 different places on this list. They include everything from old homes and churches to battlefields and entire neighborhoods. Each one tells a part of the county's unique story.
Exploring Historic Places in Lee County
Lee County has many amazing historic places. Let's explore some of them and learn why they are so special.
Important Battlefields
Some of the most important historic sites in Lee County are battlefields. These are places where big events happened during the American Civil War.
Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site
This battlefield is about six miles west of Baldwyn, Mississippi. It's where a major battle took place during the Civil War. It became a protected site in 1966. Visiting this place helps us remember the history and the people who fought there.
Tupelo National Battlefield
Near Tupelo, Mississippi, you'll find the Tupelo National Battlefield. This was another important Civil War battle site. It was also added to the National Register in 1966. These battlefields help us understand the challenges and changes that shaped the United States.
Historic Towns and Districts
Many historic places are not just single buildings, but entire areas or "districts." These districts have many old buildings that together show what life was like in the past.
Baldwyn Historic District
The town of Baldwyn has a special historic district. It includes parts of East and West Main Streets and North and South 2nd Avenue. This area was recognized in 2011 because of its historic buildings and how they show the town's growth over time.
Downtown Tupelo Historic District
The heart of Tupelo, Mississippi also has a historic district. It's roughly bounded by Jefferson, Madison, North Front streets, and the Kansas City Southern Railroad. This area is important because it shows how the city developed. Many old shops, offices, and public buildings are here. It was added to the list in 2014.
Highland Circle Historic District
This neighborhood in Tupelo, including parts of North Madison Street and Highland Circle, is also historic. It was added to the list in 2006. It's a great example of how neighborhoods looked in earlier times.
Mill Village Historic District
Another interesting district in Tupelo is the Mill Village. It's near the old railroad tracks and Chestnut and Green Streets. This area was likely where workers from local mills lived. It gives us a peek into the lives of working families long ago. It became historic in 1992.
North Broadway Historic District
The 300 block of North Broadway Street in Tupelo is a historic district. It was added in 1985. This area has many old homes and buildings that show the architecture of the past.
South Church Street Historic District
From 602 to 713 South Church Street in Tupelo, you'll find another historic district. This area was recognized in 1992 for its collection of historic homes.
Tupelo Homesteads
South of Tupelo, near County Roads 657 and 665, are the Tupelo Homesteads. These were part of a special project during the Great Depression to help families. They show a unique part of American history and were listed in 1997.
Notable Buildings and Homes
Beyond districts, many individual buildings in Lee County are also on the National Register.
Barlow Burrow House
In Saltillo, Mississippi, at 157 North 2nd Street, stands the Barlow Burrow House. This old home was added to the list in 1984. It's a great example of historic architecture in the area.
Carnation Milk Factory
The old Carnation Milk Factory at 520 Carnation Street in Tupelo is a unique historic site. It was added to the list in 2009. This factory played a big role in the local economy and shows the industrial history of the region.
R.C. Clark House
At 215 North Church Street in Tupelo, you can find the R.C. Clark House. This historic home was listed in 2010.
First Methodist Church
The First Methodist Church at 412 West Main Street in Tupelo is a beautiful historic building. It was added to the National Register in 1990. Churches often have important historical and architectural value.
R.F. Goodlett House
The R.F. Goodlett House at 219 Broadway in Tupelo was recognized in 1992. It's another example of a well-preserved historic home.
Lee County Courthouse
The Lee County Courthouse, located on Court Street between Spring and Broadway in Tupelo, is a very important building. It's where many local government decisions have been made over the years. It was added to the list in 1992.
North Church Primary School
The old North Church Primary School, at the corner of Church and Jackson Streets in Tupelo, is also historic. It was listed in 1992. Old schools often tell us about education and community life in the past.
Old Superintendent's House, Tupelo Fish Hatchery
At 111 Elizabeth Street in Tupelo, you'll find the Old Superintendent's House from the Tupelo Fish Hatchery. This building was listed in 1992 and shows a different side of the area's history, related to natural resources and conservation.
Peoples Bank and Trust Company
The Peoples Bank and Trust Company building at 211 Main Street in Tupelo was added to the list in 1978. Banks are often important historic buildings because they show the economic growth of a town.
Spain House
The Spain House at 553 West Main Street in Tupelo was recognized in 2011.
F.L. Spight House
At 363 North Broadway in Tupelo, the F.L. Spight House was listed in 1992.
Stewart-Anderson House
The Stewart-Anderson House at 433 North Church Street in Tupelo was added to the National Register in 1994.
Tombigbee State Park
Tombigbee State Park, located off Mississippi Highway 2 southeast of Tupelo, is also a historic district. It was listed in 1999. State parks often have historic elements, whether it's the land itself or structures built within them.
These are just some of the many fascinating historic places in Lee County, Mississippi. Each one helps us understand the rich history of the area and why it's important to protect these special sites for future generations.
