National Register of Historic Places listings in Montgomery County, Illinois facts for kids
Have you ever heard of the National Register of Historic Places? It's like a special list of important buildings, places, and objects in the United States that are worth protecting because of their history. This list helps us remember and learn about the past.
This article is all about the cool historic places found in Montgomery County, Illinois. There are 13 different spots in the county that are on this special list. Each one has a unique story to tell about the history of Illinois!
Historic Places in Montgomery County, Illinois
Ariston Cafe: A Route 66 Gem
The Ariston Cafe is located at 413 Old U.S. Route 66 in Litchfield. It was added to the National Register on May 5, 2006. This cafe is famous for being one of the oldest restaurants along the historic Route 66. It has been serving travelers for many years, offering a taste of the past.
Belvidere Café, Motel, and Gas Station: A Roadside Stop
Also found on Old U.S. Route 66 in Litchfield, at 817 Old Route 66, is the Belvidere Café, Motel, and Gas Station. It joined the National Register on February 21, 2007. This spot was once a complete stop for travelers, offering food, a place to sleep, and fuel for their cars. It shows what roadside stops were like in the early days of car travel.
George Blackman House: A Historic Home
The George Blackman House is a historic home located at 904 S. Main Street in Hillsboro. It was added to the National Register on November 6, 1986. This house is a great example of the architecture and lifestyle from its time.
Brown Shoe Company Factory: A Step Back in Time
You can find the old Brown Shoe Company Factory at 212 S. State Street in Litchfield. It became a historic place on November 15, 2006. This factory was once a busy place where many shoes were made. It played an important role in the local economy and the history of shoe manufacturing.
Freeman-Brewer-Sawyer House: Another Hillsboro Home
The Freeman-Brewer-Sawyer House is another historic residence in Hillsboro, located at 532 S. Main Street. It was listed on the National Register on November 5, 1992. This house tells a story through its design and the families who lived there over the years.
Samuel Moody Grubbs House: A Litchfield Landmark
The Samuel Moody Grubbs House is at 805 E. Union in Litchfield. It was recognized as a historic place on February 21, 1990. This house is a significant part of Litchfield's history, representing the architecture and community of its era.
Hayward-Hill House: A Hillsboro Residence
Located at 540 S. Main Street in Hillsboro, the Hayward-Hill House was added to the National Register on May 8, 1980. This home is another example of the beautiful and historic houses that make up Hillsboro's past.
Litchfield Elks Lodge No. 654: A Community Hub
The Litchfield Elks Lodge No. 654 is situated at 424 N. Monroe Street in Litchfield. It became a historic listing on March 3, 1995. This lodge building served as an important meeting place and social center for the Elks community in Litchfield.
Litchfield Public Library: A Place for Learning
The Litchfield Public Library, found at 400 N. State Street in Litchfield, was added to the National Register on February 12, 1999. Libraries are often important community buildings, and this one has been a center for learning and knowledge for many years in Litchfield.
Manske-Niemann Farm: A Historic Farmstead
The Manske-Niemann Farm is a historic farm located at 13 Franks Lane in Litchfield. It was listed on February 27, 2003. This farm represents the agricultural history of Montgomery County and how people lived and worked on farms in the past.
Montgomery County Courthouse: The Center of Justice
The Montgomery County Courthouse is a very important building in Hillsboro, located on Courthouse Square. It was added to the National Register on October 28, 1994. Courthouses are where important legal decisions are made and where local government operates. This building has been a central part of Montgomery County's civic life for a long time.
Route 66, Litchfield to Mount Olive: A Historic Road Stretch
A specific part of U.S. Route 66, stretching from north of Illinois Route 16 in Litchfield to Mount Olive, was recognized as historic on November 29, 2001. This section of the famous "Mother Road" is preserved because of its importance in American travel history. It reminds us of a time when this highway was the main way to cross the country.
Lewis H. Thomas House: A Virden Landmark
The Lewis H. Thomas House is located on N. Virden Road in Virden. It was listed on the National Register on December 7, 1983. This house holds historical significance for the Virden area.
