National Register of Historic Places listings in Madison County, Ohio facts for kids
Welcome to Madison County, Ohio! This area is home to some really special places that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This list is like a hall of fame for buildings, sites, and areas that are important to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized as a valuable part of our past that should be protected and remembered. In Madison County, there are 11 amazing places that have earned this special honor. Let's explore some of them!
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Discovering Madison County's Historic Sites
Madison County has many interesting spots that tell stories from long ago. These places include old buildings, banks, churches, and even ancient sites. Each one helps us understand what life was like in the past and how our communities grew.
Ancient Sites and Early History
Some of the oldest places on the list are not buildings at all, but ancient sites left by early people.
Cary Village Site
The Cary Village Site is located in Darby Township, near Plain City. This site is important because it shows us where people lived many, many years ago. Archaeologists study places like this to learn about the daily lives, tools, and customs of ancient cultures. It was added to the Register in 1975.
Skunk Hill Mounds
In Jefferson Township, near West Jefferson, you'll find the Skunk Hill Mounds. These mounds are ancient earthworks built by Native Americans. They are often burial sites or ceremonial places. Studying these mounds helps us understand the spiritual beliefs and engineering skills of the people who lived here centuries ago. This site became historic in 1974.
Historic Buildings and Community Life
Many of Madison County's historic places are buildings that played a big role in the community.
Farmers National Bank
The Farmers National Bank building in Plain City is a beautiful example of older architecture. Located at the corner of Main and Chillicothe Streets, this building once served as a central place for people to manage their money and businesses. It was recognized as historic in 1995.
First United Methodist Church
The First United Methodist Church in London, Ohio, is a significant religious building. Churches often serve as important community centers, not just for worship, but also for social gatherings and support. This church, located at 52 North Main Street, was added to the Register in 1996.
Madison County Courthouse
The Madison County Courthouse in London is a very important building. It's where many local government decisions are made and where justice is served. Located on Public Square, this courthouse is a grand building that represents the civic heart of the county. It was listed in 1973.
Red Brick Tavern
The Red Brick Tavern is found in Lafayette, within Deer Creek Township. This old tavern, located at 1700 Cumberland Road, would have been a popular stop for travelers and locals in the past. Taverns were often places where people could eat, drink, and share news. It joined the Register in 1975.
Swetland House
The Swetland House is a historic home located at 147 East High Street in London. Old houses like this give us a glimpse into how families lived and what their homes looked like in earlier times. This house was added to the list in 1983.
Valentine Wilson House
The Valentine Wilson House is another historic home, located about one mile north of Summerford in Somerford Township. This house, listed in 1973, helps preserve the architectural styles and living conditions of the past in rural Madison County.
Historic Districts: A Collection of History
Sometimes, it's not just one building that's historic, but a whole area! These are called historic districts.
London Commercial Business Historic District
The London Commercial Business Historic District covers a large part of downtown London. This area, roughly bounded by Adams, Superior, Clair, Madison, and Huron Streets, includes many buildings that were important for businesses and trade in the past. Walking through this district is like stepping back in time to see how the town's commercial heart developed. It was listed in 1985.
Mount Sterling Historic District
The Mount Sterling Historic District includes both sides of London Street in Mount Sterling. This district preserves the look and feel of a historic main street, showing how towns were designed and how businesses and homes were arranged in earlier days. It was added to the Register in 1974.
Other Notable Sites
Price Corners
Price Corners is a historic site located at 7040 US Route 42 South, south of Plain City, in Canaan Township. While the exact details of what makes this site historic are not fully described, its inclusion on the Register means it holds significant value to the history of the area. It was listed in 1995.
Why Are These Places Important?
These historic places are like clues to the past. They help us learn about the people who lived before us, the challenges they faced, and how they built their communities. By protecting these sites, we make sure that future generations can also learn from and appreciate our shared history. They are not just old buildings; they are stories waiting to be discovered!
