National Register of Historic Places listings in Niagara Falls, New York facts for kids
Niagara Falls is famous for its amazing waterfalls, but it's also home to many historic buildings and places! These special spots are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a national list of important buildings, districts, and sites in the United States that are worth protecting because of their history or special design.
In Niagara County, New York, there are 82 places on this list. A big part of these, 29 to be exact, are right here in Niagara Falls! These places tell us a lot about the city's past, from its early days of power generation to its beautiful old schools and churches. Let's explore some of these cool historic sites!
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Historic Buildings and Places in Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls has many unique buildings and areas that have been recognized for their importance. These places show how the city grew and changed over time.
Early Power and Industry
Niagara Falls has always been known for its powerful water. Early buildings here helped harness that power.
Adams Power Plant Transformer House
The Adams Power Plant Transformer House is a really important building. It was designed by famous architects McKim, Mead, and White and built in 1895. This building was part of the very first alternating current (AC) electric power plant in the world! Imagine, electricity as we know it today got a big start right here.
Schoellkopf Power Station No. 3 Site
The Schoellkopf Power Station No. 3 Site is another important spot for power history. It's located on the east bank of the Niagara River. While most of the power plant collapsed into the river in 1956, a stone wall is still visible. This event led to the creation of the Niagara Power Project, which aimed to put power utilities in public hands. It's a reminder of how much effort went into making electricity available to everyone.
Important Public Buildings
Many of Niagara Falls' public buildings, like its city hall and post office, are also historic.
Niagara Falls City Hall
The Niagara Falls City Hall is a grand building where the city's government works. It was built between 1923 and 1924 in the Beaux-Arts style, which is known for being very fancy and classical.
Niagara Falls Public Library
The original Niagara Falls Public Library was built between 1902 and 1904. It was funded by a famous rich person, Andrew Carnegie, who helped build many libraries across the country. This building is now used as city offices.
U.S. Post Office-Niagara Falls Main
The main U.S. Post Office in Niagara Falls was built from 1904 to 1907. It's a beautiful building that has served the community for over a century, helping people send letters and packages.
U.S. Customhouse
The U.S. Customhouse is an old stone building constructed in 1863. Customhouses were important places where goods coming into the country were checked and taxes were paid.
Historic Homes and Districts
Niagara Falls also has many historic homes and even entire neighborhoods that are protected.
Holley-Rankine House
The Holley-Rankine House is a beautiful Gothic Revival style cottage built around 1855. Today, it's a bed and breakfast, meaning people can stay there overnight!
Whitney Mansion
The Whitney Mansion is a two-story stone house built in 1849. It's a great example of Greek Revival architecture, which was popular at the time.
Hazard H. Sheldon House
The Hazard H. Sheldon House is an Italian Villa style stone home built around 1857. It shows off the fancy architectural styles of the mid-1800s.
Chilton Avenue-Orchard Parkway Historic District
The Chilton Avenue-Orchard Parkway Historic District is a whole area with many historic homes. Walking through this district is like taking a step back in time!
Park Place Historic District
Similar to Chilton Avenue, the Park Place Historic District includes several historic streets and buildings. It's another great example of a well-preserved neighborhood from Niagara Falls' past.
Schools and Churches
Education and faith have always been important in Niagara Falls, and many of these buildings are now historic landmarks.
Deveaux School Historic District
The Deveaux School Historic District was once a campus for a school that helped boys who were struggling. Later, it became a prep school, helping students get ready for college.
Former Niagara Falls High School
The Former Niagara Falls High School was built in 1923-1924. After serving as a high school for many years, it's now a community arts center, where people can enjoy different kinds of art.
Town of Niagara District School No. 2
This Town of Niagara District School No. 2 is a classic one-room schoolhouse built in 1878. Imagine all the students learning together in just one room!
First Presbyterian Church
The First Presbyterian Church is a beautiful church building that has been a part of the community for many years.
First Unitarian Universalist Church of Niagara
The First Unitarian Universalist Church of Niagara was built in 1921-1922 in the Classical Revival style. It's known for its grand and traditional design.
Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church Complex
The Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church Complex is a group of buildings that includes the church and other related structures. It's an important place for the Catholic community in Niagara Falls.
Old Mount Saint Mary's Hospital
The Old Mount Saint Mary's Hospital building, from the early 20th century, shows how the city grew and how important healthcare became, especially with a growing Catholic immigrant population.
St. Mary's Nurses' Residence
The St. Mary's Nurses' Residence is a brick dormitory built in 1928. It provided a place for nurses to live while they worked at the nearby hospital.
Other Notable Places
Niagara Falls has even more interesting historic sites, including its famous state park and a unique cemetery.
Niagara Falls State Park
Niagara Falls State Park is super special because it's the oldest state park in the United States! It was created in 1885 to protect the natural beauty of the falls for everyone to enjoy.
Oakwood Cemetery
Oakwood Cemetery was established in 1852. It's a historic burial ground, and it even has a special section for people who famously went over the falls in a barrel! It's a place with many interesting stories.
The Niagara
The Niagara is a former hotel building. Hotels like this were very important for the many tourists who came to see Niagara Falls.
United Office Building
The United Office Building is an impressive 20-story skyscraper completed in 1929. It's built in the Art Deco style, which is known for its sleek, geometric designs and often fancy decorations.
