National Register of Historic Places listings in Mercer County, Kentucky facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about the old buildings and special places in your town or county? In Mercer County, Kentucky, there are many historic spots that are so important, they've been added to a special list called the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect and celebrate places that tell us about America's past.
Mercer County is located in the beautiful state of Kentucky, United States. It's home to 71 amazing properties and areas that are recognized for their history and unique character. One of these places is even a National Historic Landmark, which is like being extra-special on the list!
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Cool Historic Places in Mercer County, Kentucky
What is the National Register?
The National Register of Historic Places is like a big honor roll for buildings, sites, and objects across the United States. It's managed by the U.S. government to help us remember and protect important parts of our history. When a place is added to this list, it means it's recognized for its special history, amazing architecture, or cultural importance. It helps people understand why these places matter and encourages their preservation for future generations.
Exploring Mercer County's History
Mercer County is full of fascinating places that have stories to tell. From old homes where important people lived to historic churches and even entire neighborhoods, these sites give us a peek into what life was like long ago. Let's explore some of these cool spots!
Homes with Stories
Many of the places on the list are old houses, each with its own unique past.
- Aspen Hall in Harrodsburg is a beautiful old home that was added to the list in 1989.
- The Nathaniel Burrus House is another historic home in Harrodsburg, recognized in 1984.
- Cardwellton and Clay Hill are two more charming houses in Harrodsburg that have been preserved for their historical value.
- The Daniel Curry House and The Elms also stand as examples of Harrodsburg's rich architectural past.
- The Roach-Ison House is located northeast of Harrodsburg and was listed in 1989.
- The Sutfield House and Sutfield-Thompson House on North Main Street in Harrodsburg are also notable historic homes.
- The Capt. Samuel Taylor House is a significant historic home northeast of Harrodsburg.
- The Archibald Woods House in Harrodsburg is special because it's still owned by the same family who built it! Six generations of the Woods family have lived there.
Important Community Buildings
Beyond homes, Mercer County also has historic buildings that served the community.
- The Harrodsburg Armory is a building that was used by the military and was added to the list in 2000.
- The Dutch Reformed Church is an old church located southwest of Harrodsburg, recognized in 1973.
- The New Providence Presbyterian Church south of Salvisa is another historic church, listed in 1975.
- St. Peter's AME Church and St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Harrodsburg are important religious buildings that reflect the community's history.
- The US Post Office-Harrodsburg is a historic building that once handled all the mail for the area.
Historic Districts and Landscapes
Sometimes, it's not just one building that's historic, but a whole area or a group of buildings. These are called historic districts.
- The Beaumont Avenue Residential District in Harrodsburg includes many historic homes along that street.
- The College Street Historic District in Harrodsburg is another area with many old buildings that tell a story.
- The Harrodsburg Commercial District covers the downtown area of Harrodsburg, showing how the town grew and developed.
- The Lexington and Cane Run Historic District and the North Main Street Historic District also highlight important historical neighborhoods in Harrodsburg.
- The McAfee Farm Historic District south of McAfee preserves a historic farm landscape.
- The Lexington, Harrodsburg, and Perryville Turnpike Rural Historic District covers a historic road, showing how people traveled and traded long ago.
Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill
One of the most famous and important historic places in Mercer County is the Shakertown at Pleasant Hill Historic District. This entire village is a National Historic Landmark! It was once home to the Shakers, a religious group known for their simple lifestyle, amazing craftsmanship, and unique architecture. Visiting Shakertown is like stepping back in time to see how they lived and worked.