National Register of Historic Places listings in McLean County, Illinois facts for kids
Welcome to McLean County, Illinois! This page is all about special places in the county that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Think of the National Register as a very important list of buildings, sites, and objects across the United States that are worth saving because they tell us a lot about history.
In McLean County, there are 35 places on this list. One of them is even more special: it's a National Historic Landmark, which means it's super important to the history of the whole country! Two other places used to be on the list but have since been removed. Let's explore some of these amazing historic spots!
Contents
- Cool Historic Places in McLean County
- The Grand Village of the Kickapoo
- David Davis Mansion: A National Landmark!
- Ruben M. Benjamin House
- Camelback Bridge
- John W. Cook Hall at Illinois State University
- Duncan Manor
- McLean County Courthouse and Square
- Normal Theater
- John Patton Log Cabin
- Sprague's Super Service
- Stevenson House
- US Army Aircraft C-53-DO-41-20124
- Other Notable Places
- Former Listings
Cool Historic Places in McLean County
The Grand Village of the Kickapoo
Imagine a time long ago, before cities and towns looked like they do today. The Grand Village of the Kickapoo, also known as the Warren Bane Site, is a very old place near Ellsworth. It was once a large village where the Kickapoo people lived. They were a Native American tribe. This site helps us learn about how people lived many centuries ago in Illinois. It was added to the National Register in 1982.
David Davis Mansion: A National Landmark!
One of the most important places in McLean County is the David Davis Mansion, also called Clover Lawn. It's located in Bloomington. This mansion is so special that it's a National Historic Landmark! It was the home of David Davis, a very important judge and friend of Abraham Lincoln. He helped Lincoln become president. The house was built in the 1870s and shows us how wealthy families lived back then. It joined the National Register in 1972.
Ruben M. Benjamin House
Also in Bloomington, you'll find the Ruben M. Benjamin House. Ruben M. Benjamin was a well-known judge and lawyer in Illinois. His house, built in the late 1800s, is a great example of the architecture from that time. It was added to the National Register in 1978.
Camelback Bridge
Have you ever seen a bridge that looks like a camel's hump? The Camelback Bridge in Normal is named for its unique shape. It crosses over the Constitution Trail. This bridge is a cool piece of engineering from the past. It was listed on the National Register in 1997.
John W. Cook Hall at Illinois State University
At Illinois State University in Normal, you can find John W. Cook Hall. This building is part of the university's history. It was named after John W. Cook, who was a president of the university. It's an important part of the campus and was added to the National Register in 1986.
Duncan Manor
Southwest of Towanda stands the impressive Duncan Manor. This large house was built in the 1860s and has a very grand style. It's a beautiful example of historic homes in the countryside. Duncan Manor joined the National Register in 1979.
McLean County Courthouse and Square
The heart of Bloomington is the McLean County Courthouse and Square. This area includes the courthouse building and the public square around it. Courthouses are very important buildings where laws are made and justice is served. This historic square has been a central part of the community for a long time. It was listed on the National Register in 1973.
Normal Theater
Do you love movies? The Normal Theater in Normal is a historic movie theater. It was built in the 1930s and still shows movies today! It's a great example of old movie palaces. It was added to the National Register in 1997.
John Patton Log Cabin
In Lexington, you can visit the John Patton Log Cabin. This cabin is a reminder of the early settlers who came to Illinois. Log cabins were common homes for pioneers. This cabin helps us imagine what life was like when the area was first being settled. It was listed on the National Register in 1986.
Sprague's Super Service
If you're interested in cars and famous roads, then Sprague's Super Service in Normal is a must-see! It's a historic gas station and service center located on the famous Route 66. Route 66 was a very important highway that crossed much of the United States. This building shows us what roadside stops looked like in the past. It joined the National Register in 2008.
Stevenson House
The Stevenson House in Bloomington was the home of Adlai Stevenson II. He was a very important politician who served as the Governor of Illinois and even ran for President of the United States! His house tells us about his life and the history of American politics. It was added to the National Register in 1974.
US Army Aircraft C-53-DO-41-20124
This is a very unique item on the list! The US Army Aircraft C-53-DO-41-20124 is an old military airplane. It's located east of Bloomington. It's rare for an aircraft to be on the National Register, making this one extra special. It helps us remember the history of aviation and the military. It was listed in 1996.
Other Notable Places
Many other places in McLean County are also on the National Register. These include historic homes, business districts, and other important buildings. Each one has its own story and helps us understand the rich history of the area.
- Benjaminville Friends Meeting House and Burial Ground near Holder (1983)
- Bloomington Central Business District (1985)
- Cedar Crest Addition Historic District in Normal (2006)
- George H. Cox House in Bloomington (1985)
- David Davis III & IV House in Bloomington (1982)
- East Grove Street District in Bloomington (1987)
- Franklin Square in Bloomington (1976)
- Robert Greenlee House in Bloomington (1997)
- John M. Hamilton House in Bloomington (1978)
- Holy Trinity Church Rectory and Convent in Bloomington (1983)
- Hubbard House in Hudson (1979)
- Le Roy Commercial Historic District in Le Roy (1996)
- George H. Miller House in Bloomington (1978)
- Miller–Davis Law Buildings in Bloomington (1979)
- Matthew T. Scott House in Chenoa (1983)
- Scott–Vrooman House in Bloomington (1983)
- David Hyatt Van Dolah House in Lexington (2015)
- Margaret and Bird Van Leer Broadview Mansion in Normal (2016)
- White Building in Bloomington (1994)
- White Place Historic District in Bloomington (1988)
Former Listings
Sometimes, a place is removed from the National Register. This can happen if it is destroyed or if it no longer meets the requirements.
- Jesse Fell House in Normal (listed in 1978, later removed)
- Gildersleeve House in Hudson (listed in 1977, demolished in 2000)
