National Register of Historic Places listings in Sangamon County, Illinois facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about the oldest and most special buildings or places in your area? In Sangamon County, Illinois, there's a list of amazing historic spots! These places are so important that they are officially recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. It's like a special hall of fame for buildings, bridges, and other sites that tell important stories about the past.
Cool Historic Places in Sangamon County
This list helps us keep track of all the cool historic places in Sangamon County, Illinois. There are 64 of these special spots, and five of them are even more important! They are called National Historic Landmarks. Think of them as the "superstars" of historic places.
What is the National Register?
The National Register of Historic Places is an official list kept by the United States government. It helps protect places that are important to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. When a place is on this list, it means it's worth saving for future generations to enjoy and learn from. It's a way to celebrate our past!
Famous Landmarks You Should Know
Sangamon County is home to some truly famous places, especially those connected to Abraham Lincoln, one of America's most famous presidents.
Lincoln's Home and Tomb
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site: This is where Abraham Lincoln lived with his family before he became president. You can visit his house and see how he lived. It's a really special place that helps you imagine what life was like for the Lincolns.
- Lincoln Tomb: After Abraham Lincoln passed away, he was buried here in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield. His tomb is a huge, impressive monument where you can pay your respects to him and his family. It's a very important place for American history.
Old State Capitol
- Old State Capitol: This building was the state capitol of Illinois from 1839 to 1876. This is where Abraham Lincoln served as a lawyer and politician. It's a beautiful old building that looks like it's from a history book. It's a great place to learn about how laws were made long ago.
Dana-Thomas House
- Susan Lawrence Dana House: This house is a masterpiece of architecture! It was designed by a very famous architect named Frank Lloyd Wright. It's known for its unique style and beautiful stained glass. It's a must-see if you love art and design.
Other Interesting Historic Spots
Beyond the famous landmarks, Sangamon County has many other cool places on the National Register. They might not be as well-known, but they each have their own story!
Old Buildings and Homes
Many old houses and buildings in Springfield and other towns are on the list. These include:
- H. P. Boult House and Bressmer-Baker House: These are examples of beautiful old homes in Springfield. They show us how people lived and what kind of architecture was popular many years ago.
- Edwards Place: This historic home was a social hub in Springfield. It was a place where many important people, including Abraham Lincoln, visited and spent time.
- Executive Mansion: This is the official home of the Governor of Illinois. It's a grand building where important state events happen.
- Elijah Iles House: This is one of the oldest houses in Springfield. It was built by one of the city's founders. It's a great example of early Illinois architecture.
- Christ Episcopal Church: This church is a beautiful old building that has been a part of the community for a long time. It shows the history of faith and community in Springfield.
- St. Nicholas Hotel: This old hotel was once a busy place for travelers and visitors to Springfield. It has seen many changes over the years.
Historic Roads and Bridges
Some parts of old roads and bridges are also considered historic!
- Bolivia Road Bridge: This old bridge crosses the North Fork of the Sangamon River. It's a cool example of how bridges were built a long time ago.
- Illinois Route 4-North of Auburn: A section of this road is special because it's part of the historic U.S. Route 66. This famous road was once a major highway across America.
- Route 66 by Carpenter Park and Route 66 South of Lake Springfield: More sections of the famous Route 66 are preserved here. These parts of the road remind us of old-fashioned road trips and the early days of cars.
- Sugar Creek Covered Bridge: This is a charming old covered bridge. Covered bridges are rare now, so this one is a special piece of history.
Important Cemeteries and Military Sites
- Camp Butler National Cemetery: This cemetery is a resting place for many soldiers, especially from the Civil War. It's a place to remember and honor those who served our country.
- Camp Lincoln Commissary Building: This building was part of Camp Lincoln, a military training camp. It played a role in supporting soldiers.
- Oak Ridge Cemetery: Besides being the home of Lincoln's Tomb, this large cemetery has many other historic monuments and graves. It's a peaceful place with a lot of history.
Fun Facts About Other Places
- Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop: This isn't just any restaurant; it's a historic one! It's known for its unique loose meat sandwiches and has been around for a long time. It's a piece of American diner history.
- Lazy A Motel: This old motel is a cool example of the kind of places travelers stayed at during the mid-20th century. It shows a different era of road trips.
- US ARMY Aircraft P-51D-25NA 44-73287: Yes, even an airplane can be historic! This specific military aircraft is recognized for its importance.
These are just some of the many fascinating places on the National Register of Historic Places in Sangamon County. Each one helps tell the story of Illinois and the United States!
Images for kids
-
The Bressmer-Baker House.
-
The John F. Bretz House and Warehouse.
-
The George M. Brinkerhoff House.
-
The Brunk Farmstead.
-
The Caldwell Farmstead.
-
The Central Springfield Historic District.
-
The Clayville Tavern.
-
The Fisher Building-Latham Block.
-
The Cornelius Flagg Farmstead.
-
The Clarkson W. Freeman House.
-
The Hugh M. Garvey House.
-
The Fred Gottschalk Grocery Store.
-
The Cong. James M. Graham House.
-
The Great Western Railroad Depot, also known as Lincoln Depot.
-
The Heimberger House.
-
The Hickox Apartments.
-
The Virgil Hickox House.
-
The Illinois Department of Mines and Minerals-Springfield Mine Rescue Station.
-
The Illinois State Capitol.
-
The Illinois State Fairgrounds.
-
The Jennings Ford Automobile Dealership.
-
The John L. Lewis House.
-
The Lincoln Colored Home.
-
The Abraham Lincoln Memorial Garden.
-
The Vachel Lindsay House.
-
The Bell Miller Apartments.
-
The Power Farmstead.
-
The Price-Prather House.
-
The Price/Wheeler House.
-
The Rippon-Kinsella House.
-
The Joseph Ross House.
-
Route 66 by Carpenter Park.
-
Route 66 South of Lake Springfield.
-
The Strawbridge-Shepherd House.
-
The Taft Farmstead.
-
The Taylor Apartments.
-
The Town House.
-
Union Station.
-
Washington Park.
-
The Howard K. Weber House.
-
The Gov. Richard Yates House.
