National Register of Historic Places listings in Mercer County, Ohio facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about the special places in your community that tell a story about the past? In Mercer County, Ohio, there's a list of these important spots! They are called the National Register of Historic Places listings.
The National Register of Historic Places is like a special club for buildings, areas, and objects that are super important to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. When a place is added to this list, it means it's recognized for its value and efforts are made to protect it.
In Mercer County, Ohio, there are 30 different places and areas that have made it onto this special list. These places include old churches, historic homes, and even a lighthouse! Let's explore some of these amazing historical treasures.
Contents
Exploring Mercer County's Historic Places
Mercer County is full of interesting historical sites. Many of these places are old churches, which show the strong community spirit and history of the area. There are also historic homes and other unique buildings that tell us about life long ago.
Churches and Religious Sites
Many of the historic places in Mercer County are churches and religious buildings. These structures often have beautiful architecture and have been important centers for their communities for many years.
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church
This church, also known as the Cassella Catholic Church, is located on State Route 119 in Marion Township. It was added to the National Register on July 26, 1979. It's a beautiful example of the religious history in the area.
Precious Blood Catholic Church
Found in Chickasaw, Ohio, this church and its rectory (the priest's house) were also listed on July 26, 1979. It's a key part of the Chickasaw community's history.
Holy Trinity Catholic Church
In Coldwater, Ohio, the Holy Trinity Catholic Church Complex, including its main church and other buildings, joined the list on July 26, 1979. It stands proudly at E. Main and 2nd Streets.
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Located in Celina, Ohio, at Anthony and Walnut Streets, this church complex was recognized on July 26, 1979. It's a significant landmark in Celina.
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
Often called the Maria Stein Catholic Church, this site is in Marion Township at St. John's Road and State Route 119. It was added to the Register on July 26, 1979.
Shrine of the Holy Relics
Also known as the Maria Stein Convent, this important religious site is located at St. John's and Rolfes Road in Maria Stein. It was listed earlier, on May 6, 1976, showing its long-standing historical importance.
Other Notable Churches
Many other churches across Mercer County are also on the National Register, including:
- St. Mary's Catholic Church in Philothea (Butler Township)
- St. Aloysius Catholic Church west of Carthagena (Marion Township)
- St. Anthony Catholic Church in Padua (Washington Township)
- St. Bernard Catholic Church in Burkettsville, Ohio
- St. Francis' Catholic Church in Cranberry Prairie (Granville Township)
- St. Henry Catholic Church in St. Henry, Ohio
- St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Joe (Recovery Township)
- St. Paul's Catholic Church in Sharpsburg (Gibson Township)
- St. Peter Catholic Church in St. Peter (Recovery Township)
- St. Rose Catholic Church Complex in St. Rose (Marion Township)
- St. Sebastian Catholic Church in St. Sebastian (Marion Township)
- St. Wendelin Catholic Church, School, and Rectory in Wendelin (Recovery Township)
These churches highlight the rich religious heritage and community development throughout Mercer County.
Historic Homes and Buildings
Beyond churches, Mercer County also has several important homes and other buildings that tell stories of the people who lived and worked there.
Matthias Gast House
This house and general store, located on State Route 119 in Maria Stein, was listed on December 29, 1978. It gives us a glimpse into early businesses and homes in the area.
Sen. Thomas J. Godfrey House
In Celina, Ohio, at 602 W. Market Street, stands the home of Senator Thomas J. Godfrey. This house was added to the Register on November 26, 1980, recognizing its connection to an important local figure.
Calvin E. Riley House
Another historic home in Celina, Ohio, this one at 130 E. Market Street, was listed on November 30, 1978. It's a great example of residential architecture from its time.
Wallischeck Homestead
Located north of Fort Recovery, the Wallischeck Homestead was recognized on November 27, 1978. Homesteads like this show us how families settled and built their lives in the county.
Otis Hospital
Also in Celina, Ohio, at 441 E. Market Street, the Otis Hospital was listed on November 25, 1980. It represents an important part of the county's medical history.
Other Unique Sites
Mercer County's list also includes a few very special and unique places.
Fort Recovery Site
This site, located on State Route 49 in Fort Recovery, Ohio, is very important historically. It was added to the National Register on November 10, 1970, making it one of the earliest listings in the county. Fort Recovery was the site of significant events in early American history.
Grand Lake St. Marys Lighthouse
East of Celina, in Jefferson Township, you can find the Grand Lake St. Marys Lighthouse. This unique structure was listed on June 2, 1982, and is a landmark for the popular lake area.
Mendon Town Hall
The Mendon Town Hall, located on S. Main Street in Mendon, Ohio, was added to the Register on December 29, 1978. Town halls are often central to a community's civic life and history.
Celina Main Street Commercial Historic District
This entire area in downtown Celina, Ohio, roughly bounded by Walnut, W. Livingston, Ash, and Warren Streets, is recognized as a historic district. It was listed on November 30, 1982, meaning many of the buildings within this area are historically important. It shows how the town's main street developed over time.
These 30 listings on the National Register of Historic Places in Mercer County, Ohio, are like windows into the past. They help us understand the history, culture, and development of the region, preserving these stories for future generations.
Images for kids
-
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church
-
Celina Main Street Commercial Historic District
-
Precious Blood Catholic Church
-
Holy Trinity Catholic Church
-
Fort Recovery Site
-
Matthias Gast House
-
Sen. Thomas J. Godfrey House
-
Grand Lake St. Marys Lighthouse
-
Gruenwald Convent
-
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
-
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
-
Maria Stein Convent
-
Mendon Town Hall
-
Otis Hospital
-
St. Mary's Catholic Church
-
Calvin E. Riley House
-
St. Aloysius' Catholic Church
-
St. Anthony's Catholic Church
-
St. Bernard's Catholic Church
-
St. Charles Seminary
-
St. Francis' Catholic Church
-
St. Henry's Catholic Church
-
St. Joseph's Catholic Church
-
St. Paul's Catholic Church
-
St. Peter's Catholic Church
-
St. Rose's Catholic Church
-
St. Sebastian's Catholic Church
-
St. Wendelin's Catholic Church
-
Wallischeck Homestead
