National Register of Historic Places listings in Marion County, Iowa facts for kids
This article is about the cool historic places in Marion County, Iowa, that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This special list helps protect important buildings, sites, and objects across the United States. It's like a hall of fame for places that tell a part of America's story!
In Marion County, there are 28 different places that have been added to this list. These places include old churches, homes, bridges, and even a school. Each one has a unique history that makes it special. You can even find their exact locations using map coordinates if you wanted to see them!
Contents
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation's historic places worth saving. It's managed by the National Park Service. When a place is added to the Register, it means it's important to local, state, or national history. This helps people understand and protect these places for future generations.
Why are places added to the Register?
Places get on the Register for many reasons. Maybe they are:
- Very old and show how people lived long ago.
- Designed in a special architectural style.
- Connected to important events or famous people.
- Places where important discoveries or changes happened.
Being on the Register encourages people to preserve these sites. It can also help with getting grants or tax benefits for restoration work.
Historic Gems in Marion County
Marion County has many interesting places on the National Register. Let's look at a few examples that show the county's rich history.
Old Buildings and Homes
Many historic homes and buildings are on the list, showing different styles of architecture and how people lived.
The Scholte House
The Dominie Henry P. Scholte House in Pella, Iowa is a great example. Henry P. Scholte was a very important person in Pella's history. He led a group of Dutch immigrants to Iowa in the mid-1800s and founded the town of Pella. His house tells the story of the town's beginnings and the people who settled there. It's located at 739 Washington Street.
Koelman House
Another interesting home is the Philipus J. and Cornelia Koelman House, also in Pella. Built in 1900, this house shows the kind of homes people lived in at the turn of the 20th century. It's located at 1005 Broadway Street.
East Amsterdam School
The East Amsterdam School is a historic school building near Pella. This one-room schoolhouse, built in 1877, reminds us of how children used to learn. Imagine all the students of different ages learning together in one room! It's at 1010 198th Place.
Important Public Places
Some places on the Register are public buildings or areas that served the community.
Marion County Courthouse
The Marion County Courthouse in Knoxville, Iowa is a grand building that has been the center of local government for many years. Courthouses are often important symbols of a community. This one is on Main Street in Knoxville.
Pella Opera House
The Pella Opera House is a beautiful building where people used to go for entertainment. It opened in 1900 and hosted plays, concerts, and other performances. It's a reminder of how people enjoyed their free time long ago. You can find it at 611 Franklin Street in Pella.
Knoxville WPA Athletic Field Historic District
The Knoxville WPA Athletic Field Historic District is a special area in Knoxville. It was built during the Great Depression by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a government program that created jobs. This field provided a place for sports and community events, and it's still used today! It's bounded by Lincoln, Robinson, Stadium, and Marion Streets.
Historic Transportation
Bridges and train depots are also important parts of history, showing how people and goods moved around.
Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Passenger Depot-Pella
The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Passenger Depot-Pella is an old train station in Pella. Train stations were once very busy places, connecting towns and cities. This depot, built in 1900, is located at the junction of Main and Oskaloosa Streets.
Hammond Bridge
The Hammond Bridge is a historic bridge over North Cedar Creek near Hamilton, Iowa. Old bridges are often engineering marvels of their time, showing how people built structures to cross rivers and valleys. This bridge is on 170th Place.
Harvey Railroad Bridge
Another important bridge is the Harvey Railroad Bridge near Harvey, Iowa. This bridge carried trains over the Des Moines River, which was vital for moving goods and people. It's on Harvey Island Road.