National Register of Historic Places listings in Ocean County, New Jersey facts for kids
Ocean County, New Jersey, is a beautiful area known for its beaches and rich history. Many buildings, places, and even whole neighborhoods in Ocean County are so important that they are officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect these special spots so people can enjoy and learn from them for many years to come.
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What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is like a special club for historic buildings, sites, and districts across the United States. It's the official list of places that are important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. When a place is added to this list, it means it has been recognized for its unique value.
Why are these places important?
Listing a place on the National Register helps to:
- Recognize History: It officially celebrates the history of a place.
- Protect Them: It encourages people to preserve these sites.
- Educate Others: It helps everyone learn about the past.
These places tell us stories about how people lived, worked, and built communities long ago.
Exploring Ocean County's Historic Sites
Ocean County has many fascinating places on the National Register. Let's explore some of them!
Lighthouses and Coastal History
Barnegat Lighthouse: "Old Barney"
One of the most famous landmarks in Ocean County is the Barnegat Lighthouse, often called "Old Barney." Located at the very tip of Long Beach Island in Barnegat Light, this tall lighthouse has guided ships safely along the coast since 1859. It's a symbol of New Jersey's maritime history and a popular spot to visit.
U.S. Life Saving Station Station No. 14
Near Seaside Park, you'll find the U.S. Life Saving Station Station No. 14. This station was once home to brave crews who rescued sailors from shipwrecks along the dangerous coast. It reminds us of the important work done to keep people safe at sea.
Historic Homes and Buildings
Barnegat Light Public School
The Barnegat Light Public School is a historic schoolhouse that now serves as a museum. It shows what schools were like in the past and how education has changed over time. It's a great place to imagine what it was like to be a student many years ago.
Cedar Bridge Tavern
The Cedar Bridge Tavern in Barnegat Township is a very old building that was once a popular stop for travelers. Taverns like this were important gathering places where people could eat, drink, and share news. This tavern also played a small role in the American Revolutionary War.
Homes in Toms River
Several historic homes in Toms River are on the list, including the Capt. Amos Birdsall House, the A.A. Brant House, the Crawford House, the Capt. George W. Giberson House, the Horner House, the Stewart House, and the Stoutenburgh-Minturn House. These houses show different styles of architecture from the past and tell stories about the families who lived there. They give us a glimpse into the daily lives of people in earlier times.
Ocean County Courthouse and Jail
Also in Toms River, the Ocean County Courthouse and the Ocean County Jail are historic buildings. They represent the legal and justice systems of the county from long ago. These buildings have seen many important decisions and events throughout Ocean County's history.
Unique Historic Places
Georgian Court University
Georgian Court University in Lakewood was once a grand estate belonging to George Jay Gould, a very wealthy businessman. The university campus still features beautiful old buildings and gardens that show the luxurious lifestyle of the early 1900s. It's a National Historic Landmark, meaning it's especially important to the nation's history.
In Manchester Township, Hangar No. 1 at Lakehurst Naval Air Station is a huge building with a famous past. This is where the German airship Hindenburg tragically crashed in 1937. It's a National Historic Landmark because of its role in aviation history.
Double Trouble Historic District
The Double Trouble Historic District in Bayville is a unique village that was once a busy cranberry farm and sawmill. It shows how people lived and worked in rural New Jersey, especially in industries like cranberry farming and lumber. You can see old buildings and learn about the area's natural resources.
Historic Districts: Preserving Whole Neighborhoods
Sometimes, not just one building, but a whole area, is considered historic. These are called Historic Districts. Ocean County has several:
- Bay Head Historic District: This district in Bay Head is known for its charming old homes and coastal architecture.
- Beach Haven Historic District: In Beach Haven, this district includes many beautiful Victorian-era buildings, like the Converse Cottage and the Dr. Edward H. Williams House, showing the town's history as a popular seaside resort.
- Cassville Crossroads Historic District: Located in Jackson Township, this district shows what a small crossroads community looked like in the past.
- Island Heights Historic District: This district in Island Heights is famous for its unique "camp meeting" style architecture and its history as a religious retreat and summer resort.
- Whitesbog Historic District: Extending into Burlington County, Whitesbog was a pioneering village for blueberry and cranberry cultivation. It's a great example of early agricultural innovation.
These historic places in Ocean County help us connect with the past and understand the rich stories that shaped this part of New Jersey.
Images for kids
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Barnegat Light Public School
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Barnegat Lighthouse
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Bartlett-Rockhill-Bartlett House
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Bay Head Historic District
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Beach Haven Historic District
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Capt. Amos Birdsall House
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A.A. Brant House
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Cassville Crossroads Historic District
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Cavalry Cottage
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Cedar Bridge Tavern
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Converse Cottage
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Mary Etta Cox House
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Crawford House
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Double Trouble Historic District
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Falkinburg Farmstead
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Elizabeth Sculthorp Force House
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Georgian Court University
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Capt. George W. Giberson House
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Hangar No. 1, Lakehurst Naval Air Station
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Horner House
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L. Ron Hubbard Residence at Bay Head
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Island Heights Historic District
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Little Egg Harbor Friends Meeting House
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Manahawkin Baptist Church
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Manitou Park School House
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Ocean County Courthouse
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Ocean County Jail
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Old Coast Guard Station Manasquan Inlet
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Orient Baptist Church
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Stewart House
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Stoutenburgh-Minturn House
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Strand Theatre
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Torrey-Larrabee Store
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U.S. Life Saving Station Station No. 14
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Whitesbog Historic District
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Dr. Edward H. Williams House
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