National Register of Historic Places listings in Nelson County, Kentucky facts for kids
Nelson County, Kentucky, is home to many amazing places that are important to history. These special spots are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's like a special list kept by the United States government to protect buildings, sites, and objects that tell us about the past. When a place is on this list, it means it's a valuable part of American history and culture.
There are 41 different properties and areas in Nelson County that are on this important list. These places include old homes, churches, train cars, and even entire neighborhoods! They help us understand what life was like long ago in Kentucky.
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Exploring Nelson County's Historic Places
Nelson County has many interesting places that are part of the National Register of Historic Places. Let's look at some of them!
Bardstown Historic District
The Bardstown Historic District is a large area in the city of Bardstown that includes many old buildings. It's not just one building, but a whole neighborhood! This district shows how the town grew and changed over time. Many of the buildings here were built a long time ago, and they help tell the story of Bardstown. It was first added to the list in 1983, and then made even bigger in 2010 to include more historic spots.
My Old Kentucky Home State Park
One of the most famous places in Nelson County is My Old Kentucky Home State Park. This park is home to a beautiful mansion called Federal Hill. It's said to be the inspiration for the famous song "My Old Kentucky Home" by Stephen Foster. The house was built in 1818 and is a great example of early American architecture. It became a state park in 1922 and was added to the National Register in 1971.
Old Talbott Tavern
The Old Talbott Tavern in Bardstown is one of the oldest inns in Kentucky. It was built in 1779 and has hosted many famous people throughout history, including Abraham Lincoln and Daniel Boone. Imagine staying in a place where such important figures once slept! This tavern is a living piece of history, showing what travel and lodging were like in the early days of the United States. It was listed on the National Register in 1973.
Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral
The Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral is a very old and important church in Bardstown. It was built in the early 1800s and was the first Catholic cathedral west of the Allegheny Mountains. This beautiful church has amazing architecture and stained-glass windows. It's a significant landmark for both its religious history and its stunning design. It was added to the National Register in 1974 and again in 1976 as part of a larger complex.
Historic Transportation: Trains and More
Nelson County also has some cool historic items related to transportation.
L & N Steam Locomotive No. 152
In New Haven, you can find the L & N Steam Locomotive No. 152. This is a real steam train that was built in 1905! It's a powerful machine that used to pull passenger and freight cars. Seeing it helps us understand how people and goods traveled before modern cars and planes. It was listed on the National Register in 1974.
Other Rail Cars
There are also other historic rail cars listed, like the Louisville and Nashville Combine Car Number 665 and the MT. BRODERICK Pullman Lounge-Obs-Sleeping Car. These cars show different types of train travel, from passenger cars to fancy sleeping cars. They are also located in New Haven, near the locomotive.
Other Notable Historic Buildings
Many other buildings in Nelson County are recognized for their historical value.
Nelson County Jail
The Nelson County Jail in Bardstown is an old jail building. It was built in 1819 and served as the county jail for many years. Old jails like this tell us about the justice system and daily life in the past. It was added to the National Register in 1987.
Wickland
Wickland is a grand historic home located just outside Bardstown. It was built in 1813 and is known for its beautiful architecture. Three former Kentucky governors once lived in this house, earning it the nickname "Home of Three Governors." It became a National Register site in 1973.
Confederate Monument of Bardstown
The Confederate Monument of Bardstown is a monument located in the North Bardstown Cemetery. It was built to honor soldiers from the Civil War. Monuments like this help us remember important events and people from history. It was listed on the National Register in 1997.
Historic Districts and Other Sites
Besides the Bardstown Historic District, there are other important historic areas and individual sites:
- The Bloomfield Historic District in Bloomfield also protects a central part of that town, showing its historical development.
- The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Historic District is an important religious and educational site north of Bardstown.
- The T. W. Samuels Distillery Historic District in Deatsville shows the history of an important industry in Kentucky.
These are just a few examples of the many historic places in Nelson County. Each one helps us learn more about the rich history of Kentucky and the United States.
Images for kids
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Baldwin's Tourist Court Residence-Office
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Bardstown Historic District
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Beechwold
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Bloomfield Historic District
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Bruntwood
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Cobblestone Path
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Confederate Monument of Bardstown
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Cottage Grove Historic District
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Edgewood
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Ben Johnson House
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Silvester Johnson House and Business
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John S. Kelley House
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Kurtz Restaurant and Bardstown-Parkview Motel-Office
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L & N Steam Locomotive No. 152
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My Old Kentucky Home
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Nelson County Jail
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New Sherwood Hotel
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Old Kentucky Home Motel
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Old L & N Station
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Old Talbott Tavern
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Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral
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St. Joseph Proto Cathedral
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St. Thomas Roman Catholic Church and Howard-Flaget House
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Spalding Hall
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Wickland
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