National Register of Historic Places listings in Miami County, Indiana facts for kids

Map showing Miami County in Indiana

Welcome to Miami County, Indiana! Did you know that this county is home to many amazing places that are super important to history? These special spots are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a special club for buildings, areas, and objects that tell us cool stories about the past.

When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized by the United States government as being worth protecting and remembering. It could be an old house, a unique bridge, a historic downtown area, or even a famous airplane! In Miami County, there are 15 of these special places. One of them is even a National Historic Landmark, which is an even higher honor!

Let's explore some of these awesome historic places in Miami County!

Cool Historic Places in Miami County

B-17G "Flying Fortress" No. 44-83690

The B-17G "Flying Fortress" airplane at Grissom Air Museum.

Imagine a giant airplane that flew during World War II! This specific B-17G "Flying Fortress" is a famous bomber plane. It's located at the Grissom Air Force Base in Pipe Creek Township. It was added to the list on June 29, 1993. You can often see it at the Grissom Air Museum, where it helps tell the story of aviation history.

Brownell Block/Senger Dry Goods Company Building

The historic Brownell Block/Senger Dry Goods Company Building in Peru.

In the heart of Peru, at Broadway and 5th Streets, stands this historic building. It's known as the Brownell Block and also the Senger Dry Goods Company Building. It was listed on September 1, 1983. This building once housed a dry goods store, which was like a department store where people could buy all sorts of things, from clothes to household items. It's a great example of old-time commercial buildings.

James Omar Cole House

The James Omar Cole House in Peru.

Also in Peru, at 27 East 3rd Street, you'll find the James Omar Cole House. This house was added to the list on March 1, 1984. It's named after James Omar Cole, a notable person from Peru's past. Historic houses like this give us a peek into how people lived many years ago.

Converse Commercial Historic District

This isn't just one building, but a whole area! The Converse Commercial Historic District covers four blocks along Jefferson Street and one block of East Railroad Street in Converse. It was listed on December 27, 2016. This district includes many old shops and businesses that show what the town's main street looked like long ago. It's like a living museum of old storefronts!

Converse Depot

The old Converse Depot building.

The Converse Depot, located at 203 East Railroad Street in Converse, is an old train station. It was added to the list on March 3, 1995. Train depots were once very busy places where people traveled and goods were shipped. This depot reminds us of the important role trains played in connecting towns and people.

Converse-Jackson Township Public Library

The Converse-Jackson Township Public Library.

Libraries are important places for learning, and the Converse-Jackson Township Public Library at 100 South Jefferson Street in Converse is also a historic spot! It was listed on March 12, 1999. This building has served the community for many years, providing books and knowledge to generations of people.

Eikenberry Bridge

The historic Eikenberry Bridge over the Eel River.

Southwest of Chili, you can find the Eikenberry Bridge. This bridge crosses the Eel River on County Road 100E. It was added to the list on September 20, 2006. Old bridges like this are often special because of how they were built and how long they've lasted, helping people cross rivers for decades.

Francis Godfroy Cemetery

The burial site of Chief Francis Godfroy.

East of Peru, on State Road 124 in Butler Township, is the Francis Godfroy Cemetery. This important site was listed on March 1, 1984. It is the burial place of Chief Francis Godfroy, a significant leader of the Miami people. This cemetery is a sacred place that honors his memory and the history of the Miami tribe in Indiana.

Terrell Jacobs Circus Winter Quarters

A building at the Terrell Jacobs Circus Winter Quarters.

South of Peru, at 6125 U.S. Route 31 in Pipe Creek Township, are the Terrell Jacobs Circus Winter Quarters. This site was listed on April 5, 2012. Miami County is famous for its circus history, and this was where Terrell Jacobs, a well-known animal trainer, kept his circus animals and equipment during the winter months. It's a cool reminder of the county's circus heritage!

Miami County Courthouse

The Miami County Courthouse in Peru.

In Peru's Public Square stands the impressive Miami County Courthouse. This grand building was listed on March 19, 2008. Courthouses are usually the center of a county's government and legal activities. This one is a beautiful example of historic architecture and has been a key part of the community for many years.

Peru High School Historic District

The old Peru High School building.

At 80 West 6th Street in Peru, you'll find the Peru High School Historic District. This area was added to the list on January 9, 2013. This district includes the old high school building, which has seen countless students pass through its doors. It represents the history of education in Peru.

Shirk-Edwards House

The Shirk-Edwards House in Peru.

The Shirk-Edwards House, located at 50 North Hood Street in Peru, is another historic home. It was listed on September 14, 1995. Like other historic houses, it gives us a glimpse into the past lives of the people who lived there and the architectural styles of its time.

Wallace Circus and American Circus Corporation Winter Quarters

The Wallace Circus Winter Headquarters.

About 2.5 miles southeast of Peru in Butler Township, you'll find the Wallace Circus and American Circus Corporation Winter Quarters. This site is extra special because it's a National Historic Landmark, listed on February 27, 1987! This was a huge winter home for many famous circuses, including the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus. It's a very important place for understanding the history of circuses in America, especially since Peru was known as the "Circus Capital of the World."

Westleigh Farms

A barn at Westleigh Farms.

East of Peru, at 2107 South Frances Slocum Trail in Butler Township, is Westleigh Farms. This farm was listed on September 28, 2003. Historic farms like Westleigh Farms show us how agriculture and rural life have changed over the years. They often include old barns, farmhouses, and other buildings that tell the story of farming in the region.

Former Listing

Sometimes, a historic place might be removed from the National Register. This usually happens if the building or structure is changed too much, or if it's no longer there.

Paw Paw Creek Bridge No. 52

Remains of the Paw Paw Creek Bridge No. 52.

The Paw Paw Creek Bridge No. 52, located northeast of Chili in Richland Township, was once on the list. It was added on September 30, 1983, but was removed on October 13, 2015. This means that for some reason, it no longer met the requirements to be on the National Register. Perhaps it was taken down or changed significantly.