kids encyclopedia robot

National Register of Historic Places listings in Santa Barbara County, California facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Map of California highlighting Santa Barbara County
Location of Santa Barbara County in California

Have you ever wondered about old buildings and places that tell a story about the past? In Santa Barbara County, California, there are many such special spots! This article is about the amazing places in Santa Barbara County that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This list helps us keep track of important buildings, areas, and even archaeological sites (places where people lived long ago) that are part of history in Santa Barbara County. These places are recognized by the United States government for their special meaning. You can even find their exact locations on an online map using their latitude and longitude coordinates!

There are 47 different places and areas in the county that are on this list. Eight of these are even more special and are called National Historic Landmarks. These landmarks are super important to the history of the entire country!


What Are Historic Places?

Historic places are like time capsules! They are buildings, structures, objects, or even natural areas that have been around for a long time and have a special connection to history. They might be important because:

  • Someone famous lived or worked there.
  • A big event happened there.
  • They show a unique style of building or design from the past.
  • They teach us about how people lived a long time ago.

When a place is added to the National Register of Historic Places, it means it's worth protecting and remembering for future generations. It helps people learn about the past and appreciate the history around them.

Cool Historic Spots in Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara County is full of fascinating historic sites. Let's explore some of them!

Important National Historic Landmarks

Eight places in Santa Barbara County are so important they are called National Historic Landmarks. These are like the "superstars" of historic places!

Rafael Gonzalez House

The Rafael Gonzalez House in Santa Barbara is a very old and special home. It was built a long time ago and is a great example of early California architecture. It became a National Historic Landmark in 1970.

Mission La Purísima Concepción

Near Lompoc, you'll find Mission La Purísima Concepción. This is one of the old Spanish missions built in California. It's a beautiful place that shows what life was like when the missions were first established. It became a National Historic Landmark in 1970.

Los Alamos Ranch House

The Los Alamos Ranch House is located west of Los Alamos. This historic ranch house gives us a peek into the ranching history of California. It was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1970.

Mission Santa Inés

On the east side of Solvang is Mission Santa Inés. This is another one of California's historic missions. It's known for its beautiful church and grounds. It was named a National Historic Landmark District in 1999, meaning the whole area around it is important.

Santa Barbara County Courthouse

The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a stunning building in Santa Barbara. It's famous for its Spanish Colonial Revival style, beautiful gardens, and amazing clock tower. It's not just a courthouse; it's a work of art and became a National Historic Landmark in 1981.

Santa Barbara Mission

The Santa Barbara Mission is one of the most famous landmarks in Santa Barbara. It's often called the "Queen of the Missions" because of its grand size and beauty. It has been a National Historic Landmark since 1966.

Vandenberg AFB Space Launch Complex 10

This might sound different from old buildings! Space Launch Complex 10 at Vandenberg Air Force Base near Lompoc is important for its role in space exploration. It was a site for launching rockets and satellites. It became a National Historic Landmark in 1986, showing that modern history is also important.

Steedman Estate

The Steedman Estate in Montecito is a beautiful historic property. It was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1987 and again in 2009. It's a great example of historic estates in the area.

Other Interesting Historic Places

Besides the National Historic Landmarks, many other places in Santa Barbara County are on the National Register.

Andalucia Building

The Andalucia Building in Santa Barbara is a historic building with interesting architecture. It was added to the list in 1999.

El Paseo and Casa de la Guerra

In Santa Barbara, El Paseo and Casa de la Guerra are a group of historic buildings. El Paseo is a lovely shopping and dining area, and Casa de la Guerra is a historic adobe home. They were listed together in 1977.

Faith Mission

The Faith Mission in Santa Barbara is a historic building designed by a famous architect named Peter J. Barber. It was added to the list in 1982.

Goleta Depot

The Goleta Depot in Goleta is an old train station. Train stations are important because they show how people traveled and how towns grew. It was listed in 2002.

Allan Herschell 3-Abreast Carousel

Imagine riding a historic carousel! The Allan Herschell 3-Abreast Carousel in Santa Barbara is a fun and historic ride. It was added to the list in 2000.

Hill-Carrillo Adobe

The Hill-Carrillo Adobe in Santa Barbara is another example of an old adobe building, showing the early building styles of the area. It was listed in 1986.

Los Baños del Mar

Los Baños del Mar in Santa Barbara is a historic public bathhouse. It was a popular place for people to swim and relax by the ocean. It was added to the list in 1992.

Minerva Club of Santa Maria

The Minerva Club of Santa Maria is a historic building in Santa Maria. It was a place where women's clubs met and worked for community improvement. It was listed in 1984.

Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park

The Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park near Santa Barbara is a very special place. It contains ancient rock paintings made by the Chumash people. It's a window into the lives of the first people who lived here. It was listed in 1972.

Point Conception Light Station

The Point Conception Light Station is a historic lighthouse on the coast near Santa Barbara. Lighthouses were super important for guiding ships safely along the coastline. It was added to the list in 1981.

Santa Barbara Presidio

The Santa Barbara Presidio is a historic fort in Santa Barbara. It was one of the four military outposts built by the Spanish in California. It was listed in 1973.

Southern Pacific Train Depot

The Southern Pacific Train Depot in Santa Barbara is another historic train station. It's a beautiful building that served as a gateway for travelers. It was listed in 2006.

St. Vincent Orphanage and School Building

The St. Vincent Orphanage and School Building in Santa Barbara is a historic building that once served as an orphanage and school. It was listed in 1982.

Stow House

The Stow House in Goleta is a historic home that tells the story of early settlers in the area. It was added to the list in 2000.

US Post Office-Santa Barbara Main

The main US Post Office building in Santa Barbara is a historic building where people sent and received mail. It was listed in 1985.

Virginia Hotel

The Virginia Hotel in Santa Barbara is a historic hotel building. Hotels are often important because they show how cities grew and how people traveled. It was listed in 2000.

These are just some of the many amazing historic places in Santa Barbara County. Each one has a unique story to tell about the past!

Images for kids

kids search engine
National Register of Historic Places listings in Santa Barbara County, California Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.