National Register of Historic Places listings in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Welcome to Luzerne County, Pennsylvania! This page is all about the amazing and historic places here that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Think of the National Register as a special list of buildings, sites, and objects that are super important to the history of the United States.
These places are chosen because they tell us a lot about the past. They might be very old, have a unique design, or be connected to important events or people. In Luzerne County, there are 36 different properties and areas that have earned a spot on this important list. Let's explore some of them!
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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 historic sites across the United States. It's managed by the National Park Service. When a place is added to this list, it means it's recognized for its special historical, architectural, or cultural importance.
Being on the Register helps protect these places. It also makes people more aware of their value. It's a way to make sure that important parts of our history are saved for future generations to learn from and enjoy.
Cool Historic Places in Luzerne County
Luzerne County has a rich history, especially with coal mining and early American life. Many of the places on the National Register reflect these stories.
Historic Homes and Buildings
Many old houses and public buildings in Luzerne County are on the list. They show us how people lived and worked long ago.
Denison House
The Denison House in Forty Fort is a great example of an early American home. It was built a long time ago, in 1790! This house gives us a peek into what life was like for families in the late 1700s.
Forty Fort Meetinghouse
Also in Forty Fort, the Forty Fort Meetinghouse is a beautiful old church building. It was built in 1806 and is one of the oldest churches in the area. It's a simple, elegant building that has seen a lot of history.
Israel Platt Pardee Mansion
In Hazleton, you can find the Israel Platt Pardee Mansion. This large, fancy house was built in 1893. It was designed by a famous architect named George Franklin Barber. It shows the grand style of homes from that time.
Luzerne County Courthouse
The Luzerne County Courthouse in Wilkes-Barre is a very impressive building. It's where important legal decisions for the county are made. It was added to the Register in 1980 because of its beautiful design and its role in the community.
Historic Districts and Villages
Sometimes, not just one building, but a whole area or village is considered historic. These places help us understand what life was like in a community.
Eckley Miners' Village
Eckley Miners' Village in Foster Township is a unique place. It's a preserved 19th-century coal mining village. Walking through Eckley is like stepping back in time to see how miners and their families lived and worked. It was listed in 1971.
Bear Creek Village Historic District
The Bear Creek Village Historic District is another area recognized for its history. It's located around Pennsylvania Route 115 at Bear Creek Dam. This district was added to the Register in 1999.
River Street Historic District
In Wilkes-Barre, the River Street Historic District includes several streets with many historic buildings. This area shows the growth and development of the city over many years. It was listed in 1985.
Bridges and Other Structures
Not all historic places are buildings. Bridges, industrial sites, and monuments can also be important.
Ashley Planes
The Ashley Planes are a fascinating part of Luzerne County's industrial past. These were a series of inclined planes used to move coal cars up and down steep hills. They were a big part of the coal industry in the area. They were listed in 1980.
Bittenbender Covered Bridge
The Bittenbender Covered Bridge is a beautiful old covered bridge in Huntington Township. Covered bridges are special because they are rare and show old building techniques. This one was added to the Register in 1980.
Market Street Bridge
The Market Street Bridge connects Kingston and Wilkes-Barre over the Susquehanna River. It's an important landmark and a key part of the local transportation history. It was listed in 1988.
Wyoming Monument
The Wyoming Monument in Wyoming is a tall stone monument. It commemorates the Battle of Wyoming, a famous event from the American Revolutionary War. It's a very important historical site for the region. It was added to the Register in 2002.