National Register of Historic Places listings in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Hey, ever wondered about really old and special places in your area? In Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, there are many buildings, bridges, and even whole neighborhoods that are super important because of their history! They are so special that they are listed on something called the National Register of Historic Places. Think of it like a VIP list for historic spots across the United States. When a place is on this list, it means it's worth protecting and learning about because it tells us a lot about the past.
Northumberland County has 29 places on this special list. One of them, the Joseph Priestley House, is even more important and is called a National Historic Landmark. That's like being on the VIP list of VIP lists! There was also one other place that used to be on the list but was later removed.
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Cool Historic Places in Northumberland County
Northumberland County is full of amazing historical sites. Let's explore some of them!
Bridges with History
Many old bridges in the county have interesting stories. Some are even covered bridges, which are super cool!
- Allenwood River Bridge: This bridge crossed the West Branch Susquehanna River near Delaware Township. Even though the original bridge was replaced in 1990, its history is still remembered.
- Gottlieb Brown Covered Bridge: East of Potts Grove, this old covered bridge is a beautiful sight. It even stretches into Montour County!
- Dauphin County Bridge No. 27: This bridge crosses Mahantango Creek in Lower Mahanoy Township. The photo shows a newer bridge, but the spot itself is historic.
- Himmel's Church Covered Bridge: You can find this historic covered bridge northeast of Rebuck in Washington Township.
- Keefer Station Covered Bridge: East of Sunbury, this covered bridge is another charming piece of history in Upper Augusta Township.
- Lawrence L. Knoebel Covered Bridge: Located at Knoebel's Grove in Ralpho Township, this covered bridge is a popular spot. It also reaches into Columbia County.
- Kreigbaum Covered Bridge: East of Elysburg in Ralpho Township, this covered bridge also extends into Columbia County.
- Richards Covered Bridge: Another historic covered bridge east of Elysburg in Ralpho Township, this one also connects to Columbia County.
- Rishel Covered Bridge: This bridge is east of Montandon and spans both East and West Chillisquaque Townships.
- Watsontown River Bridge: This bridge crosses the West Branch Susquehanna River in Watsontown and extends into Union County.
Homes and Buildings with Stories
Many old houses and important buildings in Northumberland County have been preserved because of their historical value.
- Beck House: Located at 62 North Front Street in Sunbury, this house has been a part of the town's history since 1976.
- Col. James Cameron House: This house, southeast of Milton, belonged to Colonel James Cameron. It's a significant historical home in West Chillisquaque Township.
- Hopper-Snyder Homestead: Northeast of Watsontown, this homestead has been a historic site since 1979.
- Hower-Slote House: West of Turbotville, this house is another important historical building in Lewis Township.
- William Kirk House: Also west of Turbotville, this house in Delaware Township has been recognized for its history since 1980.
- Milton Armory: Found at 133 Ridge Avenue in Milton, this armory is a historic military building.
- Milton Freight Station: At 90 Broadway in Milton, this old freight station tells a story about how goods used to be transported.
- Northumberland County Courthouse: This important building at 207 Market Street in Sunbury is where many legal and government activities have taken place over the years.
- Priestley-Forsyth Memorial Library: At 100 King Street in Northumberland, this library is a historic landmark.
- Joseph Priestley House: Located on Priestley Avenue in Northumberland, this house is super important! It's not just on the National Register, but it's also a National Historic Landmark. This means it's one of the most important historic places in the entire country! Joseph Priestley was a famous scientist who discovered oxygen.
- Caspar Snyder House: South of Sunbury on Pennsylvania Route 47, this house in Lower Augusta Township is another historic home.
- Sunbury Armory: Northeast of Sunbury in Upper Augusta Township, this armory is a historic military building.
- Warrior Run Presbyterian Church: North of McEwensville on Pennsylvania Route 147, this church in Delaware Township is a beautiful and historic place of worship.
- Zion Stone Church: This church is on Tulpehocken Road in Augustaville, Rockefeller Township. It's a historic stone church with a long past.
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Historic Districts: Whole Neighborhoods!
Sometimes, it's not just one building that's historic, but a whole area! These are called historic districts.
- Milton Historic District: This large area in Milton includes many historic buildings and streets, showing how the town grew over time.
- Northumberland Historic District: This district in Northumberland covers a significant part of the town, including many old buildings and landmarks like the Priestley Memorial Chapel.
- Sunbury Historic District: This district in Sunbury includes many historic streets and buildings, showing the city's rich past.
Other Interesting Spots
- Pennsylvania Canal and Limestone Run Aqueduct: In Milton, you can find the ruins of an old aqueduct that was part of the Pennsylvania Canal. It's a cool reminder of how people used to transport goods long ago.
- Sodom Schoolhouse: East of Montandon on Pennsylvania Route 45, this old schoolhouse in West Chillisquaque Township gives us a peek into what schools were like in the past.
What Happened to the Victoria Theatre?
The Victoria Theatre in Shamokin was once on the National Register of Historic Places. It was listed in 1985, but it was later removed from the list in 2004. This can happen if a building is changed too much or if it's no longer standing.
