National Register of Historic Places listings in Mercer County, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Imagine a special list that helps protect important old buildings and places! In Mercer County, Pennsylvania, there are many such spots. These places are so special that they are on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list kept by the United States government. It helps make sure these historic treasures are saved for future generations to enjoy and learn from.
Mercer County has 15 different properties and areas on this important list. Each one has a unique story about the history of Pennsylvania and the people who lived there. Let's explore some of these amazing places!
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Exploring Mercer County's Historic Gems
Mercer County is full of interesting places that tell us about the past. From old factories to grand homes and even historic bridges, these sites show us how people lived and worked long ago.
Wendell August Forge: Metal Artistry
The Wendell August Forge is a very special place in Grove City, Pennsylvania. It was added to the National Register in 1996. This forge is famous for making beautiful metal items by hand. They use old techniques to create unique pieces of art and gifts. It's amazing to see how they shape metal with hammers and tools, just like artists did many years ago.
Frank H. Buhl Mansion: A Grand Home
In Sharon, Pennsylvania, you can find the Frank H. Buhl Mansion. This huge house was built by Frank H. Buhl, a very important person in the steel industry. It was listed in 1977. The mansion is a great example of fancy homes from a long time ago. It shows us how wealthy families lived and the beautiful architecture of that era. Today, it's often used as a bed and breakfast, so people can experience its history firsthand.
Historic Bridges: Connecting the Past
Mercer County is also home to some historic bridges. These bridges are more than just ways to cross water; they are examples of old engineering and design.
Bridge in French Creek Township
The Bridge in French Creek Township was built over French Creek. It was added to the list in 1988. This bridge is a reminder of how people traveled and transported goods in the past. It shows the kind of strong structures they built to last for many years.
Kidd's Mills Covered Bridge Historic District
Another fascinating bridge is the Kidd's Mills Covered Bridge. This bridge is part of a larger historic area in Pymatuning Township, Mercer County, Pennsylvania. It was listed in 1974. Covered bridges are special because they have roofs and walls, which helped protect the wooden parts from the weather. They are often called "kissing bridges" because of their cozy, private feel!
Quaker Bridge
The Quaker Bridge is another historic bridge in the county, located near Greenville, Pennsylvania. It crosses the Little Shenango River and was listed in 1988. Like other old bridges, it represents the hard work and skill of builders from a different time.
Important Buildings in Mercer and Sharpsville
Many towns in Mercer County have buildings that are important to their history.
Mercer County Courthouse
The Mercer County Courthouse in Mercer, Pennsylvania, is a very important building. It's where many local government decisions are made. This courthouse was added to the National Register in 1998. Its grand design often shows the importance of law and order in the community.
First Universalist Church of Sharpsville
In Sharpsville, Pennsylvania, the First Universalist Church of Sharpsville is a notable historic site. It was listed in 2003. Churches often play a big role in a community's history, serving as places for worship, gatherings, and important events. This church shows the architectural styles and community life of its time.
Jonas J. Pierce House
Also in Sharpsville is the Jonas J. Pierce House, listed in 1996. This house is an example of a historic home that tells us about the people who lived there and the way homes were built in the past.
Other Notable Historic Places
Many other sites in Mercer County have earned a spot on the National Register.
Big Bend Historical Area
The Big Bend Historical Area in Jefferson Township, Mercer County, Pennsylvania, is a large area recognized for its historical importance. It was listed in 1975. Such areas often include natural landscapes along with historical features, showing how people interacted with their environment long ago.
Gibson House
The Gibson House in Jamestown, Pennsylvania, is another historic home, listed in 1978. These houses often give us clues about daily life, family structures, and the social customs of the past.
Greenville Commercial Historic District
The Greenville Commercial Historic District in Greenville, Pennsylvania, was added to the list in 2000. This district includes many buildings that were important for businesses and trade. It shows what a busy town center looked like in earlier times.
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Johnston's Tavern
Johnston's Tavern near Mercer, listed in 1972, was likely a place where travelers could stop for food, drink, and a place to sleep. Taverns were very important before cars were invented, serving as social hubs and rest stops along travel routes.
Christiana Lindsey House
The Christiana Lindsey House in Mercer, Pennsylvania, listed in 1998, is another example of a historic home. Each house on the register has a unique story about its original owners and the role it played in the community.
New Hamburg Historical Area
The New Hamburg Historical Area in Delaware Township, Mercer County, Pennsylvania, listed in 1974, is another district that preserves a piece of the past. These areas help us understand how communities developed and changed over time.
Alexander P. and James S. Waugh House
Finally, the Alexander P. and James S. Waugh House in Greenville, Pennsylvania, listed in 1998, is another important historic home. It adds to the rich history of Greenville and Mercer County.
Images for kids
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The Wendell August Forge building
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The Shenango River in Jefferson Township, part of the Big Bend Historical Area
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The historic Bridge in French Creek Township
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The impressive Frank H. Buhl Mansion
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The First Universalist Church of Sharpsville
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The Gibson House in Jamestown
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A street view in the Greenville Commercial Historic District
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Johnston's Tavern, a historic stopping place
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The historic Kidd's Mills Covered Bridge
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The Christiana Lindsey House
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The Mercer County Courthouse
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Lawango Run in the New Hamburg Historical Area
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The Jonas J. Pierce House
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The Quaker Bridge
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The Alexander P. and James S. Waugh House
