National Register of Historic Places listings in Queens, New York facts for kids

Location of Queens County in New York

This page is about the National Register of Historic Places in Queens, New York. It lists special places in Queens, New York City, that are important because of their history, architecture, or what happened there. These places are officially recognized by the United States government. When a building or area is on this list, it means it's worth protecting and learning about for future generations.

Queens is one of the five parts, or boroughs, of New York City. It's a very diverse place with a rich history. Many buildings and areas in Queens tell stories about how people lived, worked, and built communities over many years.

What is the National Register of Historic Places?
Cool Historic Places in Queens
Cemeteries and Parks
Images for kids
See also

What is the National Register of Historic Places?

The National Register of Historic Places is like a special list of important buildings, sites, and areas across the United States. It's managed by the National Park Service. When a place is added to this list, it means it has been carefully studied and found to be very important to American history or culture.

Being on the list helps protect these places. It can also help owners get special grants or tax breaks to help keep the buildings in good shape. Some of these places are even more special and are called National Historic Landmarks. These are the most important historic places in the entire country!

Cool Historic Places in Queens

Queens has many amazing places on the National Register. Let's explore some of them!

World's Fair Wonders

Queens was home to two famous World's Fairs, in 1939 and 1964. Some buildings from these fairs are still standing and are now historic sites.

The New York State Pavilion from the 1964-1965 World's Fair is a huge, unique structure in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park. It looks like something from the future, with its tall towers and a giant map of New York on the ground.
The Flushing Meadows Carousel is another fun reminder of the 1964-1965 World's Fair. It's made from parts of two old carousels from Coney Island and is one of the few rides left from the fair.

Famous Homes and Important Buildings

Many homes of famous people or buildings that played a big role in history are on the list.

The Louis Armstrong House in Corona was the home of the legendary jazz musician Louis Armstrong. You can visit it and see how he lived! It's a National Historic Landmark.
The John Bowne House in Flushing is one of the oldest houses in New York City. It's important because John Bowne stood up for religious freedom way back in the 1600s.
The Ralph Bunche House in Kew Gardens was the home of Ralph Bunche, a very important diplomat who won the Nobel Peace Prize. This is also a National Historic Landmark.
King Manor in Jamaica was the home of Rufus King, one of the people who signed the United States Constitution. It's another National Historic Landmark in Queens.
The Steinway Mansion in Astoria was built by the famous Steinway piano-making family. It's a beautiful old house that tells the story of this important family.

Historic Churches and Synagogues

Many places of worship in Queens are recognized for their history and beautiful architecture.

The Astoria Center of Israel is a historic synagogue in Astoria.
The Old Quaker Meetinghouse in Flushing is a very old building where Quakers met for worship. It's a National Historic Landmark and shows the long history of religious freedom in Queens.
The First Presbyterian Church of Newtown in Elmhurst is a lovely brick and stone church built in 1873.
The First Reformed Church of College Point is a rare example of an old wooden church building in Queens, built in 1872.

Old Schools and Public Buildings

Some schools and government buildings are also on the list.

Flushing High School is an old and important school building in Flushing.
Flushing Town Hall was built in 1862 and is now a center for arts and culture.
The Long Island City Courthouse Complex is an impressive building where legal matters were handled.
Many United States Post Offices across Queens, like those in Far Rockaway, Flushing, and Jamaica, are recognized for their architecture and role in the community.

Transportation History

Queens has played a big part in transportation history.

The Queensboro Bridge connects Queens to Manhattan. It's a huge, famous bridge that was built a long time ago.
The Marine Air Terminal at LaGuardia Airport is a beautiful old airport building. It was once used for seaplanes that flew across oceans!
Several subway stations, like 45th Road – Court House Square Station and Elmhurst Avenue Subway Station, are on the list because they are important parts of New York City's subway history.
The Long Island Motor Parkway was one of the first roads built just for cars in the United States. Parts of it still exist in Queens.

Historic Districts

Sometimes, it's not just one building but a whole area that is historic. These are called "historic districts." They often have many old homes or buildings that show how a neighborhood grew over time.

Jackson Heights Historic District is famous for its garden apartments and beautiful buildings.
Sunnyside Gardens Historic District is another special neighborhood known for its planned community design and green spaces.
Many historic districts in Ridgewood, like the Central Ridgewood Historic District and Cypress Avenue East Historic District, show off the unique brick rowhouses of that area.
The Far Rockaway Beach Bungalow Historic District includes small beach houses that have survived for many years, even through big storms like Superstorm Sandy.

Cemeteries and Parks

Even cemeteries and parts of parks can be historic.

Beth Olam Cemetery and Evergreens Cemetery are old cemeteries with beautiful monuments and art.
Maple Grove Cemetery in Kew Gardens is another historic burial ground.
The Old Town of Flushing Burial Ground is a 19th-century graveyard where many African-American and Native American residents were laid to rest.
The Forest Park Carousel is a beloved ride in Forest Park.
Fort Tilden Historic District and Jacob Riis Park Historic District are parts of parks that have important military or recreational history.