National Register of Historic Places listings in Middlesex County, Connecticut facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about old buildings and places that are super important to history? In Middlesex County, Connecticut, there are many such cool spots! These places are so special that they are listed on something called the National Register of Historic Places.
This list helps protect buildings, sites, and objects that are important for their history, architecture, or what they mean to American culture. It's like a special hall of fame for historic places! In Middlesex County, there are 123 places on this list. Some are in Middletown, and others are spread across the county.
You can even find three "National Historic Landmarks" here. These are the very best of the best, recognized for being super important to the whole country's history!
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of buildings, districts, objects, sites, and structures worthy of preservation. It's managed by the National Park Service. When a place is added to the Register, it means it's recognized as important to the history of the local area, the state, or even the entire country. This recognition helps protect these places and can sometimes help with getting money to fix them up.
Cool Historic Places in Middlesex County
Middlesex County is full of amazing historical sites. Let's explore a few examples of the kinds of places you can find on the National Register here:
Old Buildings and Homes
Many old houses and buildings are on the list because they show us how people lived long ago or because they have unique designs.
The Amasa Day House
The Amasa Day House in East Haddam is a great example of an old home. It was built in 1818 and shows what life was like for a wealthy family in the early 1800s. It's now a museum where you can step back in time!
The Black Horse Tavern
In Old Saybrook, you can find the Black Horse Tavern. Taverns were like hotels and restaurants combined in the old days. This one was built around 1700 and has a lot of history within its walls. Imagine all the travelers who stopped here!
The Gen. William Hart House
Also in Old Saybrook is the Gen. William Hart House. General William Hart was an important person during the American Revolution. His house, built in 1767, is a beautiful example of colonial architecture and reminds us of the brave people who helped create our country.
Historic Districts: Whole Neighborhoods!
Sometimes, it's not just one building, but a whole group of buildings or an entire neighborhood that is historic. These are called "historic districts."
East Haddam Historic District
The East Haddam Historic District includes many old buildings along CT 149 and nearby roads. Walking through this area feels like stepping into the past, with many well-preserved homes and structures that tell the story of the town's early days.
Fenwick Historic District
The Fenwick Historic District in Old Saybrook is a special area known for its beautiful homes and coastal charm. It's a lovely place with a unique history, especially related to its famous residents and its role as a summer retreat.
Bridges and Other Structures
Not all historic places are buildings. Bridges, mills, and even lighthouses can be important too!
Comstock's Bridge
Comstock's Bridge in East Hampton is a historic bridge that was built in 1840. It's a covered bridge, which means it has a roof and sides, protecting the wooden structure from the weather. These bridges are quite rare and beautiful!
Lynde Point Lighthouse
At the mouth of the Connecticut River in Old Saybrook, you'll find the Lynde Point Lighthouse. Lighthouses are super important for guiding ships safely. This one was built in 1838 and has been a beacon for sailors for many years.
Portland Brownstone Quarries
The Portland Brownstone Quarries in Portland are a National Historic Landmark! These quarries were a huge source of brownstone, a type of sandstone, that was used to build many famous buildings in cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. It's amazing to think that so many buildings across the Northeast got their stone from right here in Connecticut!
Unique and Interesting Sites
Some places are listed for very specific reasons, like their connection to a famous person or a unique event.
Goodspeed Opera House
The Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam is a famous theater right on the Connecticut River. It was built in 1876 and has hosted many amazing shows. It's known for developing new musicals that later become hits on Broadway!
Connecticut River Museum
The Connecticut River Museum in Essex is located at what was once the Steamboat Dock Site. This spot was very important for river travel and trade. Now, the museum teaches visitors all about the history of the Connecticut River and its impact on the towns along its banks.
Gillette Castle State Park
Though listed as "Seventh Sister," this site is now known as Gillette Castle State Park. It's the unique and quirky home of William Gillette, a famous actor who played Sherlock Holmes. He designed the castle himself, and it's full of interesting features and hidden passages. It's a truly fun place to explore!
Formerly Listed Places
Sometimes, a place might be moved or its status changes.
The Christeen (oyster sloop)
The Christeen is an old oyster sloop, which is a type of sailboat used for oyster fishing. It was listed on the National Register when it was in Essex Harbor. However, it later moved to Oyster Bay, New York. Even though it's not in Middlesex County anymore, it's still a cool piece of history!
Images for kids
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St. Patrick's Church in the Belltown Historic District
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Bridge No. 1132
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Bridge No. 1603 in Devil's Hopyard State Park
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Bridge No. 1604
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Bridge No. 1605
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Benjamin Bushnell Farm
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Elisha Bushnell House
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Bushnell-Dickinson House
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Camp Bethel
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Centerbrook Congregational Church
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Clinton Village Historic District
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Comstock-Cheney Hall (Ivoryton Theatre)
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Connecticut Valley Railroad Roundhouse and Turntable Site
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Charles Daniels House
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Deep River Freight Station
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Deep River Town Hall
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Doane's Sawmill/Deep River Manufacturing Company
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The sailing yacht Doris
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Jedidiah Dudley House
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Samuel Eliot House
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Emmanuel Church
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Essex Freight Station
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Former Town Hall in Haddam Center Historic District
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Hadlyme Congregational Church in the Hadlyme North Historic District
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Hammonasset Paper Mill Site
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James Hazelton House
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Hill's Academy
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Ivoryton Library in the Ivoryton Historic District
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James Pharmacy
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Lay-Pritchett House
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Daniel and Mary Lee House
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Meetinghouse in Little Haddam Historic District
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David Lyman II House
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Thomas Lyman House
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Main Street Historic District in Cromwell
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Oliver Knowles House in the Main Street Historic District in Durham
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Brainerd House in the Marlborough Street Historic District
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Ralph Smith House in the Middle Haddam Historic District
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Millington Green Historic District
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North Cove Historic District
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Oak Lodge
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Old Saybrook South Green
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Old Saybrook Town Hall and Theater (now Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center)
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Old Town Hall
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Parker House
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Pratt House
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Dr. Ambrose Pratt House
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Humphrey Pratt Tavern
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Rapallo Viaduct
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Sage-Kirby House
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Saybrook Breakwater Lighthouse
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William Stevens House
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William Tully House
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Villa Bella Vista
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William Ward Jr. House
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Warner House
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Jonathan Warner House
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White-Overton-Callander House
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Ambrose Whittlesey House
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John Whittlesey Jr. House
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Wickham Road Historic District
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North Octagon House (one of the Williams and Stancliff Octagon Houses)
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Phebe Howell House (Working Girls' Vacation Society Historic District)
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