National Register of Historic Places listings in Mahaska County, Iowa facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about the oldest and most special buildings and places in your community? In Mahaska County, Iowa, there's a list of amazing historic sites that are so important, they're officially recognized by the United States government! This list is called the National Register of Historic Places listings in Mahaska County, Iowa.
These places are chosen because they tell important stories about history, architecture, or culture. They could be old houses, bridges, schools, or even parks. There are 48 different properties and areas in Mahaska County that are on this special list. Let's explore some of them!
Contents
Historic Homes in Mahaska County
Many of the buildings on the National Register are beautiful old houses. These homes often show us how people lived and what kind of architecture was popular a long time ago.
Cool Houses to Discover
- Carroll Alsop House: Located in Oskaloosa, this house was added to the list in 1988. It's a great example of historic homes in the area.
- Dr. William E. and Ethel Rosenberger Berry House: Also in Oskaloosa, this house joined the list in 1996. It's named after its original owners.
- Thomas J. Conover House: This Oskaloosa home was recognized in 1996. Imagine the families who lived here over the years!
- E.H. Gibbs House: You can find this historic house on the William Penn University campus in Oskaloosa. It became a protected site in 1991.
- Phil Hoffman House: Another Oskaloosa gem, this house was added to the list in 1991.
- William A. and Ida C. Johnson House: This Oskaloosa house was recognized in 1996. It's a piece of local history.
- Dr. William H. and Mae R. Klose House: Added in 1996, this Oskaloosa home shows us the style of the past.
- Jack Lamberson House: This Oskaloosa house joined the list in 1988.
- Maj. James W. McMullin House: Located in Oskaloosa, this house was listed in 1985.
- W.A. McNeill House: This Oskaloosa home was added to the list in 1999.
- Daniel Nelson House and Barn: This unique property near Oskaloosa includes both a historic house and a barn. It was listed way back in 1974!
- Pierson-Betts House: Another Oskaloosa house, listed in 1996.
- President's Cottage: This Oskaloosa building was listed in 1996.
- Seeberger-Loring-Kilburn House: This Oskaloosa house has a long name and a long history, listed in 1983.
- John H. Shoemake House: An Oskaloosa home added in 1984.
- Smith-Johnson House: This Oskaloosa house was listed in 1977.
- Spurgin Residence: Another Oskaloosa home, listed in 1996.
- Dr. Ella Stokes House: This Oskaloosa house was recognized in 1996.
- Prof. Edgar H. and Irene D. Stranahan House: This Oskaloosa home was added in 1996.
- John K. Voorhees House: Located northwest of Oskaloosa, this house was listed in 1982.
Important Public Buildings and Districts
Mahaska County also has several public buildings and areas that are important to its history. These places often served the community in big ways.
Schools and Government Buildings
- Ulysses Simpson Grant Elementary School: This Oskaloosa school was recognized in 2008. It's cool to think about all the students who have learned there over the years!
- Lincoln School: Another historic school in Oskaloosa, listed in 1991.
- Mahaska County Courthouse: The main building for the county government in Oskaloosa was listed in 1981. It's where important decisions are made.
- Oskaloosa City Hall: This building in Oskaloosa, where the city's government works, was added to the list in 1991.
- Oskaloosa Fire Station: The historic fire station in Oskaloosa was listed in 1991. Imagine the old fire trucks that used to be kept there!
- Oskaloosa Public Library: This beautiful library in Oskaloosa was recognized in 1991. It's a place where people have been reading and learning for a long time.
Churches and Meeting Houses
- Iowa Yearly Meeting House-College Avenue Friends Church: This church in Oskaloosa was listed in 1996. It's a place of worship with a rich history.
- Oskaloosa Monthly Meeting of Friends Parsonage: The house for the minister of the Friends church in Oskaloosa was listed in 1996.
- Rose Hill Methodist Episcopal Church: This church in Rose Hill was added to the list in 2003.
- St. James Episcopal Church: This Oskaloosa church was recognized in 1991.
- Spring Creek Meeting House-H Street Mission: This meeting house in Oskaloosa was listed in 1996.
Other Special Places
- Forest Cemetery Entrance: The entrance to Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa was listed in 1991. It's a historic gateway.
- Rock Island Passenger Depot: This old train station in Oskaloosa was listed in 1989. It's where people used to catch trains to travel.
- Stock Judging Pavilion: Located at the Southern Iowa Fairgrounds in Oskaloosa, this pavilion was listed in 1984. It was used for judging farm animals!
Historic Parks and Districts
Some of the listings are not just single buildings, but entire areas or districts that are important.
Parks and Green Spaces
- Edmundson Park Historic District: This park in Oskaloosa was recognized as a historic district in 2007. It's a place where people have enjoyed nature and recreation for many years.
- Oskaloosa City Park and Band Stand: The city park in Oskaloosa, including its band stand, was listed in 1983. Imagine concerts and events held there long ago!
- Lake Keomah State Park, Bathhouse-Lodge Area (Area A) and Lake Keomah State Park, Erosion Control Area (Area B): These two areas within Lake Keomah State Park near Oskaloosa were listed in 1990. They show how parks were designed and built in the past.
Historic Neighborhoods and Areas
- Oskaloosa City Square Commercial Historic District: This important area in downtown Oskaloosa, including many businesses, was listed in 1986. It shows how the city center developed.
- Paradise Block Historic District: This district in Oskaloosa, including several buildings on High Avenue, was listed in 1991.
- Penn College Historic District: This area on the William Penn University campus in Oskaloosa was recognized in 1996. It includes several historic buildings of the college.
- Vander Wilt Farmstead Historic District: This historic farm near Leighton was listed in 2004. It gives us a look into the farming history of the county.
Historic Bridges
Bridges are also important parts of history, connecting communities and showing us old engineering styles.
- Bellefountain Bridge: This bridge over the Des Moines River near Tracy was listed in 1998.
- Eveland Bridge: Another bridge over the Des Moines River near Oskaloosa, listed in 1998.
- North Skunk River Bridge: This bridge over the North Skunk River near New Sharon was added to the list in 1998.
Historic Cemeteries
- Spring Creek Friends Cemetery: This cemetery near Oskaloosa was listed in 1996. It's a quiet place that holds many stories of the past.