National Register of Historic Places listings in Poweshiek County, Iowa facts for kids
Welcome to Poweshiek County, Iowa! This page is all about special places here that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Think of this register as an official list of buildings, sites, and objects across the United States that are important to history. When a place is on this list, it means it's worth protecting and remembering for future generations.
In Poweshiek County, there are 25 different places on this list. One of them is even a National Historic Landmark, which is an even more special title! These places help us learn about the past and see how people lived and worked long ago.
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. This program helps us understand and protect important parts of our history.
Why are places listed?
Places get listed for many reasons. Maybe they are very old, or they have a unique style of building. Sometimes, important events happened there, or famous people lived or worked in them. Listing a place helps people know it's special and encourages its preservation.
What does it mean for a building?
When a building is on the National Register, it doesn't mean it becomes a museum. People can still live or work there. However, it does mean that if federal money is used for any projects involving the property, its historic features must be considered and protected. It also makes the property eligible for certain tax benefits and grants to help with preservation.
Historic Places in Poweshiek County
Let's explore some of the cool historic spots you can find in Poweshiek County! Many of these are in the cities of Grinnell, Brooklyn, and Montezuma.
Grinnell's Historic Gems
Grinnell is home to many historic buildings. You can find old offices, college halls, and even a historic downtown area.
- Bowers and McDonald Office Building: This building is located at 816 Commercial Street. It was added to the list in 1990.
- Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad-Grinnell Passenger Station: Found at Park and State Streets, this old train station was listed in 1976. It reminds us of a time when trains were a main way to travel.
- Farmers Mutual Reinsurance Company Building: This building at 821 5th Avenue was listed in 2013.
- Goodnow Hall (Grinnell College): Part of the Grinnell College campus, this hall was recognized in 1979. It's an important part of the college's history.
- Grinnell Herald Building: Located at 813 5th Avenue, this building was home to the local newspaper. It was listed in 1991.
- Grinnell Historic Commercial District: This is not just one building, but a whole area! It includes many buildings roughly bounded by Main, Broad, and Commercial Streets and 5th Avenue. This district was listed in 1991 and shows what Grinnell's downtown looked like long ago.
- Levi P. Grinnell House: This historic home at 1002 Park Street was listed in 1979.
- Interior Telephone Company Building: You can find this building at 815 5th Avenue. It was listed in 1990.
- E.A. and Rebecca (Johnson) Marsh House: This house at 833 East Street was added to the list in 1999.
- Mears Hall: Another building on the Grinnell College campus, Mears Hall was listed in 1979.
- Merchants' National Bank: This building at the corner of 4th Avenue and Broad Street is extra special. It was listed in 1976 and is a National Historic Landmark. This means it's one of the most important historic places in the entire country!
- North Grinnell Historic District: This is another historic area, stretching from Park to W. 6th Avenue to 11th Avenue. It was listed in 2008.
- Pioneer Oil Company Filling Station: This old gas station at 831 West Street was listed in 2013. It's a cool example of early car culture.
- B.J. Ricker House: This house at 1510 Broad Street was listed in 1979.
- Spaulding Manufacturing Company: Located at 500-610 4th Avenue and 827-829 Spring Street, this old manufacturing site was listed in 1978.
- Charles H. Spencer House: You can find this house at 611 6th Avenue. It was listed in 1980.
- Stewart Library: This historic library at 926 Broad Street was listed in 1976.
Brooklyn's Historic Spots
Brooklyn also has some interesting places on the National Register.
- Brooklyn Hotel: Located at 154 Front Street, this hotel was listed in 1979.
- Kent Union Chapel and Cemetery: This historic chapel and cemetery are found at 3386 V18 Road. They were listed in 2009.
- William Manatt House: This house at 304 Jackson Street was added to the list in 1997.
Montezuma's Landmarks
Montezuma has its own share of important historic buildings.
- Montezuma Downtown Historic District: Similar to Grinnell, this is a historic area in Montezuma. It's roughly along 3rd, 4th, Main, and Liberty Streets around the courthouse square. It was listed in 2012.
- New Carroll House Hotel: This hotel at E. Main and 5th Streets was listed in 1979.
- Poweshiek County Courthouse: The county courthouse, located at 302 E. Main Street, was listed in 1981. Courthouses are often important symbols of a county's history.
Malcom's Historic Home
Even smaller towns in the county have historic treasures.
- P.P. Raymond House: This house on 4th Street in Malcom was listed in 1985.
Former Listings
Sometimes, a historic place might be removed from the National Register. This can happen if the building is changed too much, or if it is no longer standing.
- McDowell Bridge: This bridge used to span the North Skunk River near Montezuma. It was listed in 1998 but was later removed from the list in 2012.
Images for kids
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Bowers and McDonald Office Building
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Brooklyn Hotel
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Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad-Grinnell Passenger Station
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Farmers Mutual Reinsurance Company Building
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Goodnow Hall
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Grinnell Herald Building
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Grinnell Historic Commercial District
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Levi P. Grinnell House
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Interior Telephone Company Building
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William Manatt House
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E.A. and Rebecca (Johnson) Marsh House
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Mears Hall
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Merchants' National Bank
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Montezuma Downtown Historic District
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North Grinnell Historic District
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Pioneer Oil Company Filling Station
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Poweshiek County Courthouse
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B.J. Ricker House
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Spaulding Manufacturing Company
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Charles H. Spencer House
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Stewart Library
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McDowell Bridge (formerly listed)
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