National Register of Historic Places listings in Madison County, Iowa facts for kids

Location of Madison County in Iowa

Have you ever wondered about the oldest buildings and coolest spots in your town? In Madison County, Iowa, there's a special list of places that are super important to history. It's called the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect buildings, bridges, and other sites that tell us about the past. Madison County is home to many of these amazing historic treasures!

There are 53 historic places in Madison County that are on this special list. There were also two other places that were listed but are no longer on the list. Let's explore some of them!

What is the National Register of Historic Places?

The National Register of Historic Places is like a national scrapbook of important places in the United States. It's run by the National Park Service. When a place is added to this list, it means it has special historical, architectural, or archaeological value. Being on the list helps protect these places and makes sure they can be enjoyed for many years to come.

Madison County's Famous Covered Bridges

Madison County is especially famous for its beautiful covered bridges! These old wooden bridges are a big part of the county's history and charm. They were built a long time ago to help people cross rivers and streams.

Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge

The Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge is located in the Winterset City Park. It was added to the National Register in 1976. It's a great spot to visit and imagine what travel was like long ago.

The Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge in Winterset City Park.

Hogback Covered Bridge

You can find the Hogback Covered Bridge about four miles north of Winterset. This bridge was also added to the list in 1976. It's a wonderful example of old-time bridge building.

The Hogback Covered Bridge.

Holliwell Covered Bridge

The Holliwell Covered Bridge is located about four miles southeast of Winterset. It joined the National Register in 1976. This bridge is known for its beautiful setting.

The Holliwell Covered Bridge.

Imes Covered Bridge

The Imes Covered Bridge is near St. Charles, Iowa. It was added to the list in 1979. This bridge is one of the oldest covered bridges in Iowa.

The Imes Covered Bridge.

Roseman Covered Bridge

West of Winterset, you'll find the Roseman Covered Bridge. It was listed in 1976. This bridge is very well-known and has been featured in movies!

The Roseman Covered Bridge.

Important Buildings and Homes

Many other buildings in Madison County are also on the National Register. These include old houses, schools, and public buildings that tell stories about the people who lived and worked there.

Madison County Courthouse

The Madison County Courthouse is right in the city square of Winterset. It was built a long time ago and was added to the National Register in 1976. Courthouses are important places where local government happens.

The Madison County Courthouse.

Earlham Public School

The Earlham Public School building, located at 809 Main Street in Earlham, was listed in 1982. This old school building reminds us of how education has changed over the years.

The historic Earlham Public School.

North River Stone Schoolhouse

North of Winterset, you can find the North River Stone Schoolhouse. It was added to the list in 1977. Imagine going to school in a building like this!

The North River Stone Schoolhouse.

Historic Homes

Many old homes in Madison County are also recognized for their history and unique architecture. These include:

• The C.D. and Eliza Heath Bevington Privy, listed in 1987.
• The C.D. Bevington House and Stone Barn, listed in 1976.
• The W.J. and Nettie J. Cornell House, listed in 1991.
• The Guiberson House, listed in 1979.
• The Emily Hornback House, listed in 1987.
• The Miller Richard and Mary Fisher Tidrick House, listed in 1993.
• The Henry C. Wallace House, listed in 1985.
• The White, Munger and Company Store, listed in 1987.
• The William R. and Martha Foster Shriver House, listed in 1993.
• The William and Mary (Messersmith) Seerley Barn and Milkhouse-Smokehouse, listed in 2009.

These buildings give us a peek into how people lived and worked in Madison County many years ago.

Former Historic Listings

Sometimes, a place might be removed from the National Register. This usually happens if it is destroyed or loses its historic importance. Madison County has had two such places:

Cedar Covered Bridge

The Cedar Covered Bridge was once on the National Register, listed in 1976. Sadly, it was destroyed by fire in 2002. However, it has since been rebuilt, keeping its historic look!

The rebuilt Cedar Covered Bridge.

McBride Covered Bridge

The McBride Covered Bridge was also listed in 1976 but was removed in 1987. It was destroyed by fire in 1983.

Images for kids

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  The C.D. and Eliza Heath Bevington Privy.

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  The C.D. Bevington House and Stone Barn.

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  The W.J. and Nettie J. Cornell House.

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  The Guiberson House.

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  The Emily Hornback House.

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  The William and Mary (Messersmith) Seerley Barn and Milkhouse-Smokehouse.

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  The Miller Richard and Mary Fisher Tidrick House.

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  The Henry C. Wallace House.

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  The White, Munger and Company Store.

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  The William R. and Martha Foster Shriver House.

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  Winterset City Park Historic District.

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  Winterset Courthouse Square Commercial Historic District.

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  St. Patrick's Church.