National Register of Historic Places listings in Montgomery County, Indiana facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about old buildings and places that have a special story? In Montgomery County, Indiana, there are many such spots! These places are so important that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list kept by the United States government. It helps protect buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture.
There are 21 historic places in Montgomery County on this list. One of them is even a National Historic Landmark, which means it's super important to the whole country! Let's explore some of these amazing places and learn about their past.
Contents
Historic Treasures in Montgomery County
The General Lew Wallace Study
One of the most famous historic places here is the General Lew Wallace Study. It's located in Crawfordsville. Lew Wallace was a very talented person. He was a Civil War general, a governor, and a diplomat. But he is most famous for writing the classic book Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. This book was published in 1880 and became one of the most popular books of its time.
His study is a unique building where he did much of his writing. It's like stepping back in time to see where such an important story came to life! This site is so special that it's recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
Darlington Covered Bridge
Imagine crossing a bridge that's completely covered! The Darlington Covered Bridge is one of these cool structures. It crosses Sugar Creek, west of Darlington. Covered bridges were built to protect the wooden parts of the bridge from rain and snow. This helped them last much longer. This bridge is a wonderful example of old-time engineering and beauty. It reminds us of how people traveled long ago.
William Fisher Polygonal Barn
Have you ever seen a barn that isn't square or rectangular? The William Fisher Polygonal Barn is a very unusual building! It's located west of Bowers. This barn has many sides, making it look like a giant polygon. This design was sometimes used to make barns stronger or to make it easier to move hay and animals inside. It's a great example of creative farm architecture from the past.
Linden Depot
Trains were a huge part of life in the past, connecting towns and carrying goods. The Linden Depot, located in Linden, was a busy train station. It was where people would wait for trains and where goods were loaded and unloaded. Depots like this one were the heart of many small towns. They helped communities grow and connect with the rest of the world. Today, it helps us remember the exciting age of railroads.
Montgomery County Jail and Sheriff's Residence
In Crawfordsville, you can find the old Montgomery County Jail and Sheriff's Residence. This building served two purposes: it was where the sheriff lived and where the county jail was located. It's an interesting example of how law enforcement worked in earlier times. These buildings often had strong, unique designs to show their importance and purpose.
Bethel AME Church of Crawfordsville
The Bethel AME Church in Crawfordsville is more than just a building; it's a place with deep community history. AME stands for African Methodist Episcopal. These churches were very important for African American communities, especially during times when they faced many challenges. They served as places of worship, learning, and community gathering. This church represents a significant part of local history and the struggles and triumphs of its members.
Crawfordsville High School
Many of us go to school every day, but have you thought about what old schools looked like? The historic Crawfordsville High School building is another important site. Located in Crawfordsville, this building once buzzed with students learning and growing. Old school buildings often have beautiful architecture and tell stories of education and community life from long ago.