National Register of Historic Places listings in Merrick County, Nebraska facts for kids

Location of Merrick County in Nebraska

This article is about special places in Merrick County, Nebraska that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These are buildings, sites, or objects that are important to the history of the United States. They are officially recognized and protected because they tell us stories about the past.

There are 9 places in Merrick County that are on this important list. You can even see where some of them are on a map!

What is the National Register of Historic Places?

The National Register of Historic Places is like a special club for old and important buildings, places, and objects in the United States. It's run by the National Park Service. When a place is added to this list, it means it has a lot of history or special meaning. It could be where something important happened, or it might be a great example of old architecture.

Being on the list helps to protect these places. It encourages people to take care of them so future generations can learn from them too. It's a way to celebrate and remember the past of our country.

Historic Places in Merrick County

Merrick County has several fascinating spots that have earned a place on the National Register. Let's explore some of them!

Cahow Barber Shop: A Cut Above the Rest

The Cahow Barber Shop is located in Chapman, Nebraska. It was added to the National Register in 1984. This old barber shop gives us a peek into what life was like in the past. Imagine getting your hair cut here many years ago!

The historic Cahow Barber Shop.

Martha Ellen Auditorium: A Stage for History

In Central City, Nebraska, you'll find the Martha Ellen Auditorium. This building became a historic place in 1988. Auditoriums are places where people gather for performances, meetings, or shows. This one likely holds many memories of community events.

The Martha Ellen Auditorium, also known as the State Theater.

Heber Hord House: A Grand Home from the Past

The Heber Hord House is another historic spot in Central City. It was listed in 1987. This house was once the home of Heber Hord. Large, old homes like this often show us how people lived and what kind of architecture was popular a long time ago.

The historic Heber Hord House.

Wright Morris Boyhood House: Where a Writer Grew Up

Also in Central City is the Wright Morris Boyhood House. This house was added to the list in 1980. It's special because it was the childhood home of Wright Morris, who became a famous American writer and photographer. Imagine the stories he might have thought up while living here!

The boyhood home of writer Wright Morris.

Nelson Farm: A Glimpse of Farm Life

The Nelson Farm in Central City was recognized in 2009. Farms are very important to Nebraska's history, showing how people lived off the land and grew food. This farm helps us remember the agricultural roots of the area.

A barn at the historic Nelson Farm.

Palmer Site: An Ancient Discovery

The Palmer Site is a very old and important place near Palmer, Nebraska. It was listed way back in 1966. Unlike the other places, this isn't a building. It's an archaeological site, meaning it's where scientists have found clues about ancient people who lived there long, long ago. It even extends into Howard County.

An area believed to be part of the Palmer Site.

Patterson Law Office: Where Laws Were Made

The Patterson Law Office in Central City was added to the list in 1979. This building was once where legal work was done. It reminds us of the people who helped shape the laws and justice system in the community.

The historic Patterson Law Office.

Riverside Park Dance Pavilion: A Place for Fun

The Riverside Park Dance Pavilion in Central City became historic in 1998. Pavilions are often open-air buildings used for gatherings, and a dance pavilion was a place where people would go to dance and have fun. It tells us about the social life and entertainment of the past.

The Riverside Park Dance Pavilion.

Former Historic Listing

Sometimes, a place might be removed from the National Register of Historic Places. This usually happens if the building is changed too much, or if it is no longer standing.

Merrick County Courthouse: A Building of Justice

The Merrick County Courthouse in Central City was listed in 1990 but was later removed from the list in 2014. Courthouses are important buildings where legal decisions are made and government work happens. Even though it's no longer on the list, it still played a role in the county's history.

The former Merrick County Courthouse.