National Register of Historic Places listings in Shawnee County, Kansas facts for kids
Shawnee County, Kansas, is home to many amazing places that are part of the National Register of Historic Places. This special list includes buildings, sites, and objects that are important to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. Think of it like a hall of fame for historic spots!
In Shawnee County, there are 98 places on this list. One of them is even a National Historic Landmark, which means it's super important to the whole country. These places help us remember and learn about the past.
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What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation's historic places worth saving. It's managed by the National Park Service. When a place is added to the Register, it means it's recognized for its historical value. This can help protect it and sometimes even provide money for its upkeep.
Important Historic Landmarks
Some places in Shawnee County are especially famous and important.
Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site
One of the most important sites is the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site. This place was once the Monroe Elementary School. It's famous because of the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case. This case declared that separate schools for black and white children were unfair and against the law. It was a huge step in the Civil Rights Movement and changed education in America forever.
Kansas State Capitol
The Kansas State Capitol building is another very important landmark. It's where the government of Kansas makes its laws. This beautiful building was listed on the National Register in 1971. It's a key part of Topeka's history and shows off amazing architecture.
Historic Buildings and Homes
Many other buildings and homes in Shawnee County are also on the National Register. They tell us about how people lived and worked in the past.
Topeka High School
Topeka High School is a grand and historic school building. It was added to the Register in 2005. It's known for its unique architecture and its long history of educating students in Topeka.
Historic Churches
Several churches in Topeka are recognized for their history and design:
- Church of the Assumption and Rectory: This church and its rectory (the house where the priest lives) were listed in 2008.
- Church of the Holy Name: Another beautiful church, added to the list in 2012.
- St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church: This church, listed in 2008, is important to the history of the African American community in Topeka.
- St. Joseph's Catholic Church: Listed way back in 1971, this church has been a part of Topeka for a very long time.
- Westminster Presbyterian Church: This church, listed in 2004, also has a rich history.
Other Notable Buildings
- ATSF Motive Power Building: This building, listed in 2012, was part of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, which played a big role in the development of the area.
- Central National Bank: This bank building, listed in 1976, shows the style of older commercial buildings.
- Columbian Building: Another historic commercial building in Topeka, listed in 1975.
- Crawford Building: This building, listed in 1975, is another example of Topeka's early business architecture.
- Jayhawk Hotel, Theater and Walk: This complex, listed in 1982, includes a historic hotel and theater, showing how people used to enjoy entertainment.
- Memorial Building: Listed in 1975, this building serves as a memorial and holds historical significance.
- Masonic Grand Lodge Building: This building, listed in 2014, is home to a historic Masonic lodge.
- Union Pacific Railroad Passenger Depot: This old train station, listed in 2002, was once a busy hub for travelers.
- United States Post Office and Court House: This building, listed in 2015, served as both a post office and a courthouse.
Historic Districts
Sometimes, not just one building, but a whole group of buildings or an area is considered historic. These are called historic districts.
- College Avenue Historic District: This area, listed in 2007, includes many historic homes and buildings along College Avenue.
- Holliday Park Historic District I and II: These two districts, listed in 2002, are neighborhoods with many historic homes.
- Mill Block Historic District: This district, listed in 2015, includes buildings that were important for businesses and industry.
- Potwin Place Historic District: This neighborhood, listed in 1980, is known for its unique layout and historic homes.
- South Kansas Avenue Commercial Historic District: This area, listed in 2015, includes many historic shops and businesses along South Kansas Avenue.
- Senate and Curtis Court Apartments Historic District: This district, listed in 2015, features historic apartment buildings.
Other Interesting Places
- Blacksmith Creek Bridge: An old bridge west of Topeka, listed in 1983.
- Pottawatomie Baptist Mission Building: This mission building, listed in 1971, is a reminder of early interactions with Native American tribes in the area.
- Sage Inn: An old inn near Dover, listed in 1976.
- Thomas Arch Bridge: Another historic bridge near Auburn, listed in 1990.
- Topeka Cemetery-Mausoleum Row: A section of the Topeka Cemetery, listed in 2001, with historic mausoleums.
- Uniontown Cemetery: A historic cemetery near Willard, listed in 2010.
- Wakarusa Hotel: An old hotel in Wakarusa, listed in 1979.
- Wea Creek Bowstring Arch Truss Bridge: This bridge, listed in 2003, is a special type of old bridge.
Images for kids
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The ATSF Motive Power Building.
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The Bowker House.
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The Central National Bank building.
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The Church of the Assumption and Rectory.
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The Church of the Holy Name.
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A street view in the College Avenue Historic District.
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The Columbian Building.
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Constitution Hall in Topeka.
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The Crawford Building.
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The William T. and Delora Crosby House.
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The Charles Curtis House.
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The Davies Building.
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The Devon Apartments.
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The Dillon House.
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East Topeka Junior High School.
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Fire Station No. 2 in Topeka.
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Cyrus K. Holliday Park in the Holliday Park Historic District.
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Ceiling ornament inside the Jayhawk Theater.
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The Fred and Cora Luttjohann House.
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The Masonic Grand Lodge Building.
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Memorial Hall in Topeka.
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North Topeka Baptist Church.
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Ross Row Houses with the Kansas State Capitol in the background.
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St. John's Lutheran School.
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St. Joseph's Catholic Church.
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Monroe Elementary School.
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Mausoleum Row in the Topeka Cemetery.
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The Topeka Council of Colored Women's Clubs Building.
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The Union Pacific Railroad Passenger Depot.
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Uniontown Cemetery.
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The United States Post Office and Court House.
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The Ward-Meade House.
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Westminster Presbyterian Church.
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The Woman's Club Building.
