National Register of Historic Places listings in Lowndes County, Mississippi facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about the old buildings, bridges, or even ancient sites in your town? Many of these special places are listed on something called the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list in the United States that helps protect and celebrate important historical spots. In Lowndes County, Mississippi, there are many such places!
This article will tell you about some of the cool historic places you can find in Lowndes County. These places are important because they teach us about the past, how people lived, and what events shaped the area. There are 34 places in the county on this list, and one of them is even more special, called a National Historic Landmark. One other place used to be on the list but was removed.
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What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is like a 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 special value. It also helps protect these places, making sure they can be enjoyed and learned from for many years to come.
Exploring Historic Places in Lowndes County
Lowndes County is full of amazing historic spots. Let's take a look at some of them!
Famous Homes and Buildings
Many of the historic places in Lowndes County are beautiful old homes and important buildings. These structures often show us how people lived long ago and the different styles of architecture that were popular.
The Cedars
The Cedars is a grand old house located at 1311 Military Road in Columbus. It was added to the National Register in 1979. Imagine living in a house that has stood for so many years, watching history unfold around it!
Cox-Uithoven House
North of Columbus, on Old Aberdeen Road, you'll find the Cox-Uithoven House. This house joined the list in 1980. It's a great example of the kind of homes built outside the main city area in the past.
S.D. Lee House
The S.D. Lee House, at 314 North 7th Street in Columbus, became a historic listing in 1971. This house is named after Stephen D. Lee, a famous general during the American Civil War. It's a chance to see where an important historical figure once lived.
Charles McLaran House (National Historic Landmark)
The Charles McLaran House, at 514 2nd Street South in Columbus, is extra special. It's not just on the National Register; it's also a National Historic Landmark! This means it's one of the most important historic places in the entire country. It was recognized in 1976.
Old Fort House
Another interesting home is the Old Fort House, found at 510 7th Street North in Columbus. It was added to the list in 1985. Its name makes you wonder about its history, doesn't it?
Mt. Pleasant Methodist Church
Not all historic buildings are homes. The Mt. Pleasant Methodist Church, located at 2382 Wright Road in Caledonia, was added to the list in 2007. Churches often play a big role in a community's history, serving as gathering places for many generations.
U.S. Post Office
Even a post office can be historic! The U.S. Post Office at 524 Main Street in Columbus was listed in 1983. This building tells us about how communication and services were handled in the past.
Weaver Place
The Weaver Place, at 216 3rd Avenue South in Columbus, became a historic site in 1978. It's another example of the beautiful and important architecture found throughout the county.
Bridges and Engineering Wonders
Bridges are not just ways to cross rivers; they can also be amazing pieces of engineering and history. Lowndes County has a few historic bridges on the list.
Columbus Bridge
The Columbus Bridge spans the Tombigbee River on Old U.S. Route 82 in Columbus. It was listed in 1988. Bridges like this show us how people built important connections between places long ago.
Motley Slough Bridge
Another bridge, the Motley Slough Bridge, crosses Motley Slough on Shaeffer's Chapel Road near Columbus. It was added to the list in 1988. This bridge is a reminder of the older roads and routes that people used to travel.
Waverly Bridge
The Waverly Bridge also spans the Tombigbee River, but this one is part of the Columbus and Greenville Railway. It was listed in 1989 and even extends into Clay County. It's a great example of historic railway engineering.
Ancient Sites and Cemeteries
History isn't just about buildings from a few hundred years ago. It also includes much older sites and places where people are remembered.
Butler Mound and Village Site
The Butler Mound and Village Site near Columbus is a very old archaeological site, listed in 1978. These mounds often hold clues about ancient civilizations and how early people lived in this area.
James Creek No. 1 Site
Another ancient site, the James Creek No. 1 Site, also near Columbus, was listed in 1978. These sites are important for archaeologists to study and understand the very first inhabitants of Mississippi.
MacKay Mound
The MacKay Mound, near Columbus, was added to the list in 1978. Like other mounds, it offers a glimpse into the distant past of the region.
Friendship Cemetery
Friendship Cemetery, located at 1300 4th Street in Columbus, became a historic site in 1980. Cemeteries are not just places where people are buried; they are also outdoor museums that tell stories about the community, its people, and its history through the monuments and gravestones.
What Happens When a Historic Place is Lost?
Sometimes, a historic place can be removed from the National Register. This usually happens if the building is destroyed or changed so much that it loses its historical importance.
Bethel Presbyterian Church
The Bethel Presbyterian Church, located near Columbus, was once on the National Register, listed in 1986. However, it was sadly destroyed by a powerful tornado in 2002. Because it was no longer standing, it was removed from the list in 2003. This shows how important it is to protect these places, as they can be lost to natural disasters.