National Register of Historic Places listings in Macon County, Alabama facts for kids
Welcome to Macon County, Alabama! This special place is home to many important buildings and sites that tell amazing stories about the past. These places are so important that they are listed on something called the National Register of Historic Places. Think of it like a special hall of fame for historical spots across the United States!
When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized for its history, architecture, or what happened there. In Macon County, there are 15 such places, and two of them are even more special, called National Historic Landmarks. These landmarks are extra important to the history of the entire country. Let's explore some of these cool historical treasures!
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Exploring Macon County's Historic Places
Macon County has many sites that help us understand its rich history. From old churches to famous schools, each spot has a unique story. Many of these places are in or near the city of Tuskegee, which is a very important part of the county's history.
Historic Churches and Cemeteries
Some of the oldest and most meaningful places in Macon County are its churches and their cemeteries. These sites often served as important community centers for many years.
Butler Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church
The Butler Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church is located in Tuskegee. This church has been a vital part of the community for a long time. It was added to the National Register in 1995, showing its importance to local history.
Creek Stand A.M.E. Zion Church Cemetery
Near Tuskegee, you'll find the Creek Stand A.M.E. Zion Church Cemetery. Cemeteries like this are important because they are the final resting places of many people who shaped the area. This cemetery was recognized in 2016.
Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church and Rosenwald School
In Notasulga, there's the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church and a Rosenwald School. Rosenwald Schools were special schools built for African American children in the early 20th century. They were funded by Julius Rosenwald, who was the head of Sears, Roebuck and Company. This site shows the importance of education and community. It was listed in 2010.
Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery
Close to the church, the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery also holds historical significance. It was added to the National Register in 2016.
Important Homes and Buildings
Macon County also has historic homes and public buildings that tell us about how people lived and worked in the past.
Creekwood
Creekwood is a historic home located near Creek Stand. It was built around 1844, making it a very old building in the area. This house gives us a glimpse into the architecture and lifestyle of the mid-1800s. It joined the National Register in 1989.
Grey Columns
In Tuskegee, you can see Grey Columns. This beautiful building was constructed in 1857. Today, it serves as the home for the president of Tuskegee University. It's a lovely example of historic architecture and a key part of the university's campus. Grey Columns was listed in 1980.
Macon County Courthouse
The Macon County Courthouse, located in Tuskegee, is where many important decisions for the county have been made over the years. Courthouses are often central to a town's history and government. This one was added to the National Register in 1978.
Historic Districts
Sometimes, not just one building, but a whole group of buildings in an area are considered historically important. These are called historic districts.
Main Street Historic District
The Main Street Historic District in Tuskegee includes a section of Main Street with many historic buildings. Walking through this district is like taking a step back in time. It was listed in 1984.
North Main Street Historic District
Another important area is the North Main Street Historic District, also in Tuskegee. This district includes several historic homes and buildings along North Main Street and nearby streets. It was added to the National Register in 1985.
National Historic Landmarks in Macon County
Macon County is home to two very special places that are not just on the National Register, but are also designated as National Historic Landmarks. This means they are considered important to the history of the entire United States.
Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site
The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site in Tuskegee honors a brave group of African American pilots and crewmen. During World War II, these men trained here, even though there was segregation in the United States at the time. They became famous for their courage and skill, proving that African Americans could excel as military aviators. This site became a National Historic Landmark District in 1998.
Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site
Tuskegee University, originally known as Tuskegee Institute, is one of the most famous historically black colleges and universities in the United States. It was founded in 1881 by the renowned educator Booker T. Washington. The university focused on providing industrial and vocational education to African Americans. Famous educators like George Washington Carver, a brilliant scientist, taught here. Tuskegee Institute is both a National Historic Landmark and a National Historic Site, recognized in 1966 for its huge impact on education and civil rights.
Other Important Sites
Tuskegee Veterans Administration Medical Center
The Tuskegee Veterans Administration Medical Center is another significant site. This hospital was part of a group of veterans' hospitals built in the United States to care for soldiers after wars. It was listed in 2012, recognizing its role in healthcare history.