National Register of Historic Places listings in Skagit County, Washington facts for kids
Skagit County, Washington, is home to many amazing places that tell stories about the past. These special spots are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list kept by the United States government to help protect important buildings, sites, and objects. When a place is on this list, it means it's really important to the history of the country, state, or local area.
In Skagit County, there are 29 places currently on this list. One place was on the list before but has since been removed. These historic places include old libraries, bridges, parks, and even ships! Knowing about them helps us understand how people lived and worked a long time ago.
Historic Treasures in Skagit County
Skagit County has many unique historic places. Let's explore some of them!
Anacortes Public Library
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The Anacortes Public Library, located at 1305 8th Street in Anacortes, was added to the National Register in 1977. This building is a "Carnegie Library," meaning it was built with money donated by Andrew Carnegie, a famous businessman who helped build many libraries across the United States. These libraries were important because they gave everyone a chance to learn and read. The Anacortes library is a great example of these historic buildings.
Baker River Bridge
The Baker River Bridge, found on WA 17A over the Baker River in Concrete, was listed in 1976. This bridge is part of a group of historic bridges and tunnels in Washington state. Bridges are super important because they connect communities and help people travel. This bridge has been a vital link for many years, helping people get across the Baker River. It shows how engineers and builders created strong structures that last a long time.
Bethsaida Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church Parsonage
Near La Conner, at 1754 Chilberg Road, stands the Bethsaida Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church Parsonage. It was added to the list in 1990. A parsonage is the house where a church's minister or pastor lives. This building tells us about the history of Swedish immigrants in the area and their religious communities. It's a reminder of the different cultures and people who helped build Skagit County.
Burlington Carnegie Library
Just like the Anacortes library, the Burlington Carnegie Library at 901 Fairhaven Street in Burlington is another historic Carnegie Library. It was listed in 1982. These libraries were designed to be beautiful and welcoming places for learning. They played a huge role in educating people and sharing knowledge in towns like Burlington.
Deception Pass
Deception Pass, located on Route 20 near Anacortes, became a historic place in 1982. This isn't just a bridge; it's a famous strait that connects the waters of Puget Sound with the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The iconic Deception Pass Bridge, which spans the pass, is a marvel of engineering. It offers stunning views and is a popular spot for visitors. The bridge also extends into Island County, making it a shared historic landmark.
La Conner Historic District
The entire La Conner Historic District was recognized in 1974. This district includes many old buildings roughly bounded by 2nd, Morris, and Commercial Streets, and the Snohomish Channel. When a whole area is a historic district, it means that many buildings together tell a story about how a town grew and changed. Walking through La Conner's historic district is like taking a step back in time, with its charming old shops and homes.
The Schooner LA MERCED
The schooner LA MERCED is a unique historic listing from 1990. It's located on the Anacortes Waterfront off Oakes Avenue. A schooner is a type of sailing ship. LA MERCED was built in 1917. Today, only its hull (the main body of the ship) remains. It's used as a breakwater, which is a barrier that protects a harbor or boatyard from waves. This old ship reminds us of the important role sailing and fishing played in the history of Anacortes.
W. T. PRESTON Snagboat
Another fascinating historic ship is the W. T. PRESTON snagboat, listed in 1972. It's located on the Anacortes waterfront at R Avenue, near 7th Street. A snagboat was a special type of boat used to remove "snags" – fallen trees and debris – from rivers. This was very important for keeping rivers clear for other boats to travel safely. The W. T. Preston is a great example of the hard work done to keep waterways open for trade and travel in the past.
Wilson Hotel
The Wilson Hotel, at 804 Commercial Avenue in Anacortes, was added to the list in 2004. This beautiful hotel was designed by architects Pickles and Sutton and built with bricks from a local brickyard. It has a Romanesque style, which means it has rounded windows and arches. The hotel was expanded in 1927 and has recently been fully restored and made safer for earthquakes. Today, it has shops on the ground floor and housing on the upper floors, showing how old buildings can be given new life.
Former Historic Listings
Sometimes, a historic place might be removed from the National Register. This can happen if the building is changed too much, or if it's no longer there.
Curtis Wharf
Curtis Wharf, located at the junction of O Avenue and Second Street in Anacortes, was listed in 1987 but removed in 1998. Wharves are docks where ships load and unload goods. This wharf played a role in the shipping history of Anacortes. Even though it's no longer on the list, it was once an important part of the city's past.
Images for kids
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Backus-Marblemount Ranger Station House No. 1009.
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Backus-Marblemount Ranger Station House No. 1010.
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The California Fruit Store in Anacortes.
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Causland Park, a historic park in Anacortes.
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Gilbert's Cabin in a natural setting.
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The Great Northern Depot in Anacortes.
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The Hidden Lake Peak Lookout.
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The Lincoln Theater and Commercial Block in Mount Vernon.
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The Lower Baker River Hydroelectric Power Plant.
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The Marine Supply and Hardware Complex in Anacortes.
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The Birdsey D. Minkler House.
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Northern State Hospital, a large historic complex.
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The President Hotel in Mount Vernon.
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Rock Cabin, a rustic historic structure.
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The former site of the Semar Block in Anacortes.
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The historic Skagit City School building.
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Swamp-Meadow Cabin East.
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Swamp-Meadow Cabin West.
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The US Post Office-Sedro Woolley Main building.
