National Register of Historic Places listings in San Benito County, California facts for kids

A map showing where San Benito County is located in California.

Welcome to San Benito County, California! This area is home to many special places that are important to American history. These places are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Think of it like a special list of buildings, sites, and districts that are worth protecting because they tell us a lot about the past.

In San Benito County, there are 15 different places on this list. Three of these are even more special! They are called National Historic Landmarks. This means they are super important to the history of the entire United States. Let's explore some of these amazing historic spots!

Historic Places in San Benito County

Anza House: A Glimpse into Early California

The historic Anza House in San Juan Bautista.

The Anza House, also known as the Juan de Anza House, is a very old building in San Juan Bautista. It's located at 3rd and Franklin Streets. This house was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 15, 1970. It's one of the three National Historic Landmarks in the county. This means it played a big role in the history of the United States. It helps us remember the early days of California.

Bear Valley School: A School from the Past

The old Bear Valley School building.

Imagine going to school in a building like this! The Bear Valley School is located near Paicines. You can find it on the east side of Highway 25. This historic school building was added to the National Register on June 2, 2014. It reminds us of how schools used to look and feel a long time ago.

Jose Castro House: A Leader's Home

The Jose Castro House in San Juan Bautista.

Another very important building in San Juan Bautista is the Jose Castro House. It sits on the south side of the Plaza. This house became a National Historic Landmark on April 15, 1970, just like the Anza House. Jose Castro was an important figure in California's history. His home helps us understand the lives of leaders from long ago.

Downtown Hollister: A Historic Shopping Area

A historic building in Downtown Hollister.

The Downtown Hollister Historic District is a whole area of historic buildings. It's roughly bounded by Fourth, East, South, and Monterey Streets. This district was added to the National Register on August 14, 1992. When you walk through this area, you can see many old buildings that show what the town looked like in the past. It's like stepping back in time!

Hollister Carnegie Library: A Place for Books

The Hollister Carnegie Library building.

The Hollister Carnegie Library is a beautiful old building at 375 Fifth Street in Hollister. It was listed on the National Register on March 26, 1992. Many towns across the United States have "Carnegie Libraries." These libraries were built with money donated by a very rich man named Andrew Carnegie. He believed everyone should have access to books and learning. This library is a great example of his gift to communities.

Marentis House: A San Juan Bautista Home

The Marentis House in San Juan Bautista.

The Marentis House is another historic home in San Juan Bautista. You can find it at 45 Monterey Street. This house was added to the National Register on September 13, 1984. It's one of the many charming old houses that make San Juan Bautista so special.

Monterey Street Historic District: More of Hollister's Past

A historic church in the Monterey Street Historic District.

Just like the Downtown Hollister Historic District, the Monterey Street Historic District in Hollister is another area with many old buildings. It includes Monterey Street and the streets that cross it, between 5th and B Streets. This district was added to the National Register on January 7, 1993. It helps preserve the unique look and feel of old Hollister.

Rozas House: Another Historic Home

The Rozas House in San Juan Bautista.

The Rozas House is located at 31 Polk Street in San Juan Bautista. It became a part of the National Register on April 12, 1982. This house is another example of the historic architecture found in this charming town.

San Juan Bautista Plaza Historic District: The Heart of the Town

Mission San Juan Bautista, part of the historic plaza district.

The San Juan Bautista Plaza Historic District is a very important area. It includes the buildings around the main plaza at Washington, Mariposa, and 2nd Streets. This entire district was made a National Historic Landmark District on December 8, 1969. This means the whole area is super important to American history. It includes the famous Mission San Juan Bautista and other buildings that show what life was like in early California.

San Juan Bautista Third Street Historic District: A Walk Through Time

Buildings along Third Street in San Juan Bautista.

The San Juan Bautista Third Street Historic District covers Third Street between 406 Third Street and Franklin Street. This district was added to the National Register on January 9, 2009. It's another area where you can see many well-preserved historic buildings. Walking down this street is like taking a trip back in time to see how people lived and worked long ago.

Benjamin Wilcox House: A Historic Residence

The Benjamin Wilcox House in San Juan Bautista.

The Benjamin Wilcox House is located at 315 The Alameda in San Juan Bautista. It was added to the National Register on February 19, 1982. This house is another example of the beautiful and important historic homes in San Juan Bautista.

Images for kids

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  The Joel and Rena Hawkins House in Hollister.

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  The Roy D. McCallum House in Hollister.