National Register of Historic Places listings in Roanoke County, Virginia facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about old buildings and places that are really important to history? In Roanoke County, Virginia, there are special spots listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect buildings, sites, and objects that tell us about the past.
When a place is on this list, it means it's a big part of American history, architecture, or culture. It helps people learn about and save these amazing places for future generations. Roanoke County has 11 such places! Let's explore a few of them.
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What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is like a special club for important historical sites across the United States. It's managed by the National Park Service. When a place is added to this list, it gets special recognition. This can help protect it from being torn down or changed too much. It also encourages people to learn about its history.
Historic Places in Roanoke County
Roanoke County is home to several fascinating places on the National Register. Each one has its own unique story.
Old Schools and Meetinghouses
Some of the listed places were once important community buildings.
Roland E. Cook Elementary School
The Roland E. Cook Elementary School in Vinton was added to the list in 2016. This school building has been a place of learning for many years. It shows how education has grown and changed in the area.
Johnsville Meetinghouse
The Johnsville Meetinghouse is located in Catawba. It was listed in 1998. A meetinghouse is a place where people would gather, often for religious services or community meetings. This building tells us about the early communities and how people came together.
Starkey School
Another old school, the Starkey School in Starkey, joined the list in 2002. These old school buildings are important because they remind us of how children learned in the past. They also show the history of local communities.
Historic Homes and Farms
Many of the places on the list are old homes or farms. They give us a peek into how people lived long ago.
Anderson-Doosing Farm
The Anderson-Doosing Farm in Catawba was added in 2009. Farms like this one are important because they show us how people used to grow food and live off the land. They are a link to the agricultural history of the region.
Harshbarger House
The Harshbarger House in Hollins became a historic listing in 1992. Old houses often have unique architectural styles. They can also tell stories about the families who lived there and what life was like in their time.
Pleasant Grove
Pleasant Grove in Salem was listed in 2003. This historic property gives us insights into the past, perhaps showing us how wealthy families lived or how certain types of homes were built.
Other Unique Sites
Not all historic places are buildings. Some are unique sites that hold special meaning.
Black Horse Tavern-Bellvue Hotel and Office
The Black Horse Tavern-Bellvue Hotel and Office in Hollins was listed in 2002. This building likely served as a place for travelers to rest and for businesses to operate. It tells us about travel and commerce in earlier times.
Hollins University Quadrangle
The Hollins University Quadrangle in Hollins was added in 1974. A quadrangle is an open area surrounded by buildings, often found on college campuses. This listing highlights the long history of this university and its importance in education.
Old Tombstone
Perhaps one of the most unique listings is the Old Tombstone in Hollins, listed in 1980. Even a single tombstone can be historically significant. It might belong to a very important person or be a rare example of old carving.
Why are these places important?
These historic places are like pieces of a puzzle that help us understand the past. They show us how people lived, worked, and built communities in Roanoke County. By protecting them, we make sure that these stories and lessons from history are not forgotten. They also add to the beauty and character of the county.
Images for kids
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Anderson-Doosing Farm
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Black Horse Tavern-Bellvue Hotel and Office
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Roland E. Cook Elementary School
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Harshbarger House
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Hollins College Quadrangle
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Johnsville Meetinghouse
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Old Tombstone
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Pleasant Grove
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Starkey School
