National Register of Historic Places listings in Sedgwick County, Kansas facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about the old buildings and places around you? Some of them are so special that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places! This list helps protect important buildings, sites, and objects in Sedgwick County, Kansas. It makes sure these places can be enjoyed for many years to come.
There are 138 places in Sedgwick County that are on this special list. A few places were once on the list but have since been removed. Let's explore some of these amazing historic spots!
Homes with a Story
Many old houses in Sedgwick County have interesting histories. They tell us about the people who lived there and how Wichita grew.
Henry J. Allen House
The Henry J. Allen House is a really cool home. It was designed in 1915 by a famous architect named Frank Lloyd Wright. He was known for his unique and modern designs. The house was built for Henry J. Allen, who owned a newspaper. He later became the governor and a senator for Kansas! Today, you can visit this house as the Frank Lloyd Wright Allen-Lambe House Museum. It's a great way to see his amazing work up close.
Adeline Apartment Building
The Adeline Apartment Building was finished in 1923. It was designed by a local builder named Thomas C. Naylor. This building is an early example of a "garden style" apartment. This means it was designed to feel more like a home with outdoor spaces. Each floor had different sized apartments. Early residents included lawyers, oil brokers, and even the Naylor family themselves!
Frank E. Blaser House
The Frank E. Blaser House is another historic home. It is part of a larger group of residential buildings in Wichita. These homes show how people lived and built houses between 1870 and 1957.
Darius Sales Munger House
The Darius Sales Munger House is located in Sim Park. This house is very old and gives us a peek into early Wichita life. It's part of the "Cowtown" area, which shows what Wichita was like when it was a frontier town.
Important Public Buildings and Landmarks
Sedgwick County also has many public buildings and landmarks that are important to its history.
Old Sedgwick County Courthouse
The Old Sedgwick County Courthouse is a very important building in Wichita. It was built in 1889 and served as the main government building for the county for many years. It stands as a symbol of the county's history and growth.
Orpheum Theatre
The Orpheum Theatre is a beautiful old movie palace and performance hall. It opened in 1922 and was a popular spot for entertainment. Many people came here to watch movies and live shows. It's still a place where people can enjoy performances today!
Wichita City Carnegie Library Building
The Wichita City Carnegie Library Building was built with money from Andrew Carnegie. He was a very rich businessman who helped build many libraries across the United States. This library helped people in Wichita learn and grow.
Belmont Arches
The Belmont Arches are a unique landmark. They were built in 1925. These arches are made of limestone and wrought iron. They are located where Belmont meets Central and Douglas streets. They add a touch of classic style to the city.
Mentholatum Company Building
The Mentholatum Company Building was built in 1908. It was designed by a local architect named U. G. Charles. This building is connected to A. A. Hyde, who founded the Mentholatum Company. You might even have some Mentholatum products at home!
Places of Community Life
These places show how communities in Sedgwick County came together for different purposes, from worship to education.
Arkansas Valley Lodge No. 21, Prince Hall Masons
The Arkansas Valley Lodge No. 21, Prince Hall Masons building was completed in 1910. It was a very important place for the Black business community in Wichita. It's one of the few buildings left from that time. A strong windstorm in 1948 caused some damage, and the third floor had to be removed.
Calvary Baptist Church
The Calvary Baptist Church was built between 1917 and 1920. It is another important building for Wichita's early African American community. It shows the history and strength of this community.
University Hall, Friends University
University Hall is the main building of Friends University. It was originally part of Garfield University. In 1898, a businessman bought the building and offered it to the Kansas Society of Friends. Friends University opened its doors in September 1898 with 52 students.
Kellogg Elementary School
Kellogg Elementary School is one of the schools in Sedgwick County that is on the historic register. It's part of a group of public schools in Kansas that are recognized for their historical importance.
Sunnyside School
Like Kellogg Elementary, Sunnyside School is also a historic school building. These schools are important because they show how education developed in Kansas over the years.
Former Listings
Sometimes, a place might be removed from the National Register of Historic Places. This can happen for different reasons, like if the building is changed too much or is no longer there.
McClinton Market
The McClinton Market was once on the list. It was important because it was part of the history of African American businesses in Wichita.
