National Register of Historic Places listings in Nez Perce County, Idaho facts for kids
Welcome to Nez Perce County, Idaho! This page is all about the special places here that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Think of it like a hall of fame for old buildings, important sites, and cool areas that tell us about the past. These places are officially recognized by the United States government because they are important to history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture.
In Nez Perce County, there are 31 of these amazing historic spots. They include everything from old houses and churches to ancient village sites. By protecting these places, we help make sure their stories can be told for many years to come!
Contents
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation's historic places worth saving. It's part of a program by the United States government to help identify and protect historic and archaeological sites. 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 whole country.
Why are places added to the Register?
Places get listed for many reasons! Maybe a famous person lived there, or an important event happened there. Sometimes, a building is a great example of a certain type of architecture, like a unique style of house or a special way of building. Archaeological sites, where scientists study how people lived long ago, are also very important to protect.
How does it help?
Being on the National Register helps protect these places. It can also make them eligible for special grants or tax breaks to help with their upkeep. Most importantly, it helps people learn about and appreciate the history around them. It's like a badge of honor for historic sites!
Historic Homes and Buildings in Lewiston
Many of Nez Perce County's historic places are found in the city of Lewiston. These buildings show us how people lived and worked many years ago.
Notable Houses in Lewiston
Lewiston has several beautiful homes on the Register. These houses often show different styles of architecture from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
- James Asposas House: Located at 1610 15th Ave., this house was added to the Register in 1994.
- Frank Booth House: Found at 1608 17th Ave., this home also became historic in 1994.
- Patrick J. and Lydia Hester House: At 1622 15th Ave., this house joined the list in 1994.
- William and Elizabeth McLaren House: This home at 1602 15th Ave. was recognized in 1992.
- Agnes M. Tamblyn House: Located at 1506 17th Ave., this house was added in 1994.
- Gaylord Thompson House: You can find this house at 1824 17th Ave., listed in 1992.
- W. R. and Louisa E. Wyatt House: This home at 1524 18th Ave. was added in 1994.
These homes give us a peek into the lives of families who helped build Lewiston.
Important Buildings in Lewiston
Beyond houses, Lewiston has other significant structures that tell its story.
- Breier Building: This building at 631–633 Main St. was listed in 1986. It's a great example of older commercial architecture.
- Children's Home Finding and Aid Society of North Idaho: Located at 1805 19th Ave., this building was recognized in 2007. It played a role in helping children in the region.
- First Christian Church: This church at 7th Ave. and 7th St. was added in 1978. It shows the history of religious communities in Lewiston.
- Garfield School: An old school building at 2912 5th Ave., listed in 1982. Imagine all the students who learned here!
- Idaho Grocery Warehouse and Annex: At 1209 Main St., this warehouse was listed in 1982, showing the city's business past.
- Lewiston City Hall: The city's government building at 207 3rd St. was recognized in 1982.
- Lewiston Depot: The old train station at 13th and Main Sts. was listed in 1973. Train depots were once very busy places!
- Lewiston Methodist Church: This church at 805 6th Ave. was added in 1979.
- Nave Apartments: Located in the 600 block of 8th St., these apartments were listed in 1978.
- St. Stanislaus Catholic Church: This beautiful church at 633 5th Ave. was recognized in 1978.
Historic Places in Other Nez Perce County Towns
Nez Perce County's history isn't just in Lewiston. Other towns also have important historic sites.
Peck's Historic Building
- American Women's League Chapter House: In the town of Peck, at 217 N. Main St., this building was listed in 1986. It was a place where women gathered and worked together for their community.
Lapwai's Historic Churches
The town of Lapwai has a rich history, especially with its early churches.
- First Presbyterian Church: Located at Locust and 1st St., E., this church was added to the Register in 1980. It's a significant part of Lapwai's community history.
Ancient Sites and Districts
Some of the most fascinating historic places in Nez Perce County are not buildings, but ancient sites where people lived thousands of years ago. These are called "archaeological districts" because they contain many clues about early human life.
- Hasotino: This site near Lewiston was listed in 1976. It's an important place for understanding ancient cultures.
- Hatwai Village Site: Also near Lewiston, this village site was recognized in 1982. It gives us clues about how early communities were organized.
- Lenore Site: Near the town of Lenore, this site was listed in 1974.
- Hells Canyon Archeological District: This huge area, which extends into other counties in Idaho and Oregon, was listed in 1984. It's full of ancient artifacts and tells us about the very first people who lived in this rugged canyon.
- Lower Salmon River Archeological District: This district near Waha was added in 1986 and also stretches into other counties. It's another key area for studying ancient human activity.
- Nez Perce Snake River Archeological District: This district, including the area where Redbird Creek meets the Snake River, was listed in 1978. It highlights the long history of the Nez Perce people in this region.
These archaeological sites are like giant puzzle pieces that help scientists and historians understand the deep past of Nez Perce County and the people who called it home long before modern towns existed. They are often kept secret to protect them from damage, so their exact locations are not shared publicly.
Historic Districts
Sometimes, it's not just one building that's historic, but a whole group of buildings or an entire area. These are called "historic districts."
- Lewiston Historic District: This large district in Lewiston, covering parts of 1st to 5th Streets and B Street to the Snake River, was first listed in 1975 and expanded in 1984. It includes many of the historic buildings mentioned earlier and helps preserve the overall look and feel of old Lewiston. Walking through this district is like taking a step back in time!
By learning about these amazing places, we can better understand the rich and diverse history of Nez Perce County. Each site has a story to tell, helping us connect with the past and appreciate the journey of those who came before us.
Images for kids
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The American Women's League Chapter House in Peck.
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The James Asposas House in Lewiston.
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The Frank Booth House in Lewiston.
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The Breier Building in Lewiston.
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The Children's Home Finding and Aid Society of North Idaho building.
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The First Christian Church in Lewiston.
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The First Lapwai Bank (building no longer exists).
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The First Presbyterian Church in Lapwai.
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Garfield School in Lewiston.
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The Hasotino archaeological site.
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The Patrick J. and Lydia Hester House in Lewiston.
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The Idaho Grocery Warehouse and Annex.
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Hells Canyon Archeological District.
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Lewiston City Hall.
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The Lewiston Depot.
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A building within the Lewiston Historic District.
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The Lewiston Methodist Church.
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The Lower Salmon River Archeological District.
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The William and Elizabeth McLaren House in Lewiston.
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Nave Apartments in Lewiston.
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St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Lewiston.
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The Agnes M. Tamblyn House in Lewiston.
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The Gaylord Thompson House in Lewiston.
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The W. R. and Louisa E. Wyatt House in Lewiston.
