National Register of Historic Places listings in Mason County, Washington facts for kids
Mason County, Washington, is a beautiful place with a rich history! Many special places here are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a national "honor roll" for buildings, sites, and objects that are important to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized for its value and efforts are made to protect it for future generations. Let's explore some of these cool spots in Mason County!
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Historic Power and Water Projects
Mason County is home to some amazing engineering feats, especially those related to creating electricity from water power.
The Cushman Hydroelectric Project
The Cushman Hydroelectric Project Historic District is a big area that includes several important parts. It's located near Hoodsport and was added to the Register in 2015. This project uses the power of water to make electricity, which is super important for people living in the area.
Cushman No. 1 Power Plant
One key part of this project is the Cushman No. 1 Hydroelectric Power Plant. It's found at the south end of Lake Cushman and was listed in 1988. This plant is a big building where water from the lake is used to spin turbines and generate power.
Cushman No. 2 Power Plant
Another important part is the Cushman No. 2 Hydroelectric Power Plant, also listed in 1988. This plant is located on the Skokomish River and works with Cushman No. 1 to provide even more electricity. These plants are great examples of how people harnessed nature's power.
Amazing Bridges
Mason County has several historic bridges that are recognized for their engineering and design. Bridges help us cross rivers and valleys, and these old ones have a lot of stories to tell!
Goldsborough Creek Bridge
The Goldsborough Creek Bridge is located on WA 3 near Shelton. It was added to the Register in 1982. This bridge is a cool example of how bridges were built a long time ago to help people travel safely.
High Steel Bridge
The High Steel Bridge is a very impressive structure that spans the South Fork of the Skokomish River, near Shelton. Listed in 1982, it's known for being incredibly tall and strong. Imagine building something so high and long back then!
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North Hamma Hamma River Bridge
Near Eldon, you'll find the North Hamma Hamma River Bridge. This bridge, listed in 1982, crosses the North Hamma Hamma River. It's another example of the important bridges built to connect communities in the area.
South Hamma Hamma River Bridge
Also near Eldon is the South Hamma Hamma River Bridge, which spans the South Hamma Hamma River. It was listed on the same day as its northern counterpart in 1982. These bridges are vital links in the region's transportation history.
Vance Creek Bridge
The Vance Creek Bridge is located northwest of Shelton and was listed in 1982. This bridge is another significant part of the area's transportation history, showing the engineering skills of the past.
Important Buildings and Sites
Beyond bridges and power plants, Mason County also has historic buildings and parks that tell us about how people lived and worked.
Harstine Island Community Hall
The Harstine Island Community Hall is on Harstine Island. It was listed in 1989. Community halls were super important places where people gathered for meetings, dances, and other events. This hall was the heart of the island community for many years.
Malaney–O'Neill House
The Malaney–O'Neill House is a historic home located near Shelton. It was added to the Register in 2013. Old houses like this give us a peek into what life was like for families in the past.
Mason County Courthouse
The Mason County Courthouse in Shelton was listed in 2013. This building is where important government decisions for the county are made. Courthouses often have interesting architecture and are central to a town's history.
Shelton Public Library and Town Hall
The Shelton Public Library and Town Hall is another historic building in Shelton, listed in 1983. This building served as both a place for books and a meeting spot for the town, showing how communities valued learning and civic life.
Schafer State Park
Schafer State Park near Elma was added to the Register in 2010. State parks are important for recreation and preserving natural beauty, but some also have historical significance, like Schafer State Park.
Simpson Logging Company Locomotive No. 7 and Peninsular Railway Caboose No. 700
In Shelton, you can find the Simpson Logging Company Locomotive No. 7 and Peninsular Railway Caboose No. 700. These old train pieces were listed in 1984. They tell the story of the logging industry, which was very important to Mason County's economy and development.
Twanoh State Park
Twanoh State Park near Union was listed in 2014. This park is known for its warm saltwater beaches and beautiful scenery, but it also has historical value that earned it a spot on the Register.
Other Historic Sites
Some sites are listed on the National Register but their exact location is kept private to protect them, especially if they are archaeological sites.
Big Creek Archeological Site-45MS100
The Big Creek Archeological Site-45MS100 near Hoodsport was listed in 1999. Archaeological sites are places where scientists study the remains of past human life and activities. They help us understand how people lived long, long ago.
taba das
The site known as taba das near Potlatch was listed in 2005. Like other archaeological sites, its location is restricted to help protect its historical treasures.
These are just some of the amazing historic places in Mason County, Washington, that are recognized for their special importance!
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Washington state
- Listings in neighboring counties: Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kitsap, Pierce, Thurston
- Historic preservation
- History of Washington (state)
- Index of Washington-related articles
External links
- Washington Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, Historic Register program
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places site
