National Register of Historic Places listings in Mercer County, West Virginia facts for kids

Location of Mercer County in West Virginia

This page lists special places in Mercer County, West Virginia, that are important to history. These places are officially recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. It's like a special list of buildings, areas, or sites that tell a story about the past.

The National Register helps protect these important places. It makes sure they are kept safe for future generations to learn from and enjoy. In Mercer County, West Virginia, there are 18 different properties and areas on this list. You can even find some of them on a map using their exact location!

What is the National Register of Historic Places?

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation's historic places. It is part of a program run by the United States government. This program helps to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect historic and archaeological resources.

Why are places added to the list?

Places are added to the National Register because they are important. They might be important for their history, their architecture, or even for what they represent. For example, a building might be on the list because a famous person lived there. Or, a whole neighborhood might be listed because it shows how people lived a long time ago.

Benefits of being on the list

Being on the National Register helps to preserve these sites. It can also make them eligible for special grants or tax benefits. This means people can get help to fix up and maintain these historic buildings. It also encourages people to learn about and appreciate the history around them.

Historic Places in Mercer County

Mercer County has many interesting places on the National Register. These include old homes, important buildings, and even entire historic neighborhoods. Let's explore some of them!

Bluefield Historic Sites

Bluefield is home to several important historic places. These sites show the city's growth and its past.

• Bluefield Downtown Commercial Historic District
  • This area includes many old shops and businesses. It shows what downtown Bluefield looked like in the past. It was added to the list on March 18, 1987.
• Country Club Hill Historic District
  • This historic neighborhood is found along Whitethorn, Lebanon, and Liberty Streets. It was recognized on November 5, 1992.
• Easley House
  • Located at 1500 College Avenue, this historic house was added to the list on July 29, 1992.

The historic Easley House in Bluefield.

• Hancock House
  • You can find this house at 300 Sussex Street. It became a historic site on January 17, 1990.
• Jefferson Street Historic District
  • This district runs along Jefferson Street. It was added to the National Register on July 29, 1992.
• Municipal Building
  • The Municipal Building is at 514 Bland Street. It was listed on May 29, 1979. This building is important for the city's government history.

The Municipal Building in Bluefield.

• President's House, Bluefield State College
  • This house is on Rock Street. It was added to the list on December 3, 1999. It's part of the history of Bluefield State College.
• South Bluefield Historic District
  • This district includes Mountain View Road, Bland Road, Oakhurst, and Parkway. It was recognized on July 29, 1992.
• Upper Oakhurst Historic District
  • This area is along Oakhurst Avenue, Groveland Drive, Edgewood Road, and Mountain View Road. It was added to the list on July 29, 1992.

Bramwell Historic Sites

Bramwell is known for its rich history, especially related to coal mining. Many of its historic places reflect this past.

• Bramwell Historic District
  • This district covers several streets like Main, Rose, and Church Streets. It was added to the list on February 10, 1983. It shows the town's early development.

Main Street in the Bramwell Historic District.

• Bramwell Additions Historic District
  • This area includes parts of Bluestone Avenue and other streets. It was recognized on August 3, 1995. It expands on the original historic district.

Simmons Avenue in the Bramwell Additions Historic District.

Princeton Historic Sites

Princeton, the county seat of Mercer County, also has several significant historic listings.

• Dr. James W. Hale House
  • This house is at 1034 Mercer Street. It was added to the National Register on March 12, 1976.

A building in Princeton, near the Dr. James W. Hale House.

• Dr. Robert B. McNutt House
  • Located at 1522 N. Walker Street, this house was listed on July 25, 2001.

The Dr. Robert B. McNutt House.

• Mercer County Courthouse
  • This important building is on Courthouse Square. It was added to the list on November 28, 1980. It's where many important county decisions are made.

The Mercer County Courthouse.

• Mercer Street Historic District
  • This district covers Mercer Street between N. 1st Street and North Street. It was recognized on October 17, 2003. It's a lively part of Princeton's history.

A building in the Mercer Street Historic District.

• Virginian Railway Yard Historic District
  • This historic railway area is north of the junction of WV 20 and the railroad tracks. It was added to the list on May 1, 2003. It's important for understanding the history of trains and transportation in the area.

Athens Historic Sites

Athens also has one notable historic property.

• Col. William Henderson French House
  • This house is south of Athens, off WV 20. It was added to the National Register on March 12, 1976. It's a significant part of Athens' past.