National Register of Historic Places listings in Smith County, Tennessee facts for kids
Imagine a special list that keeps track of important old buildings, places, and sites across the United States! This list is called the National Register of Historic Places. It helps protect and celebrate places that are special because of their history, architecture, or what happened there. Smith County, Tennessee, has many such amazing places. There are 13 different properties and areas in Smith County that are listed on this important register. Let's explore some of them!
Historic Places in Smith County
Battery Knob Earthworks
The Battery Knob Earthworks are located near Carthage. These are old dirt walls and trenches built during the American Civil War. They were part of a Union army artillery battery. An artillery battery is a place where big cannons were set up to defend an area. These earthworks were built in 1863 and are a cool reminder of the war's history in Tennessee.
Carthage United Methodist Church
The Carthage United Methodist Church is a beautiful old church in Carthage. It was built in 1889 and has a special style called Gothic Revival. This style often includes pointed arches and tall windows, making it look like a medieval castle or cathedral. The church's congregation, or group of members, started way back in 1808!
Cullum Mansion
The Cullum Mansion is a grand old house in Carthage. It was built before the Civil War, a time often called the "antebellum" period. This mansion is built in the Greek Revival style. This style was popular in the 1800s and often features tall columns and designs inspired by ancient Greek temples.
Davis-Hull House
The Davis-Hull House is another historic home in Carthage. It's built in the Victorian style, which means it has lots of decorative details and often an irregular shape. This house was once owned by William Hull, who was the father of Cordell Hull. Cordell Hull later became a very important person: the Secretary of State for the United States!
Dixon Springs District
The Dixon Springs District is not just one building, but a whole area near Dixon Springs that is considered historic. It's located near the Cumberland River. This district includes several old buildings and sites that together tell the story of how this community developed over time.
Dixona
Dixona is a historic house located northwest of Dixon Springs. It originally started as a simple log structure. Over many years, different parts like wings and decks were added, making it larger and changing its look. It shows how homes can grow and change with the families who live in them.
Cordell Hull Bridge
The Cordell Hull Bridge crosses the Cumberland River in Carthage. This bridge was built in 1936 and is a type of bridge called a Parker Truss bridge. It's named after Cordell Hull, the famous Secretary of State from Smith County. Bridges like this are important for connecting communities and helping people travel.
Rome Ferry
The Rome Ferry site is located at U.S. Route 70 near the Cumberland River in Rome. What you can see here are the ruins of an old ferry tugboat from the early 1900s. Ferries were boats that carried people and vehicles across rivers before many bridges were built. This site reminds us of how people used to travel.
Smith County Courthouse
The Smith County Courthouse is a very important building in Carthage. It's located on Court Square. Courthouses are where local government business happens, like court cases and official records. This building has been a central part of Smith County's community for many years.
Other Historic Places
Smith County has even more historic places on the National Register! These include the James Bradley House near Dixon Springs, which still looks much like it did when it was first built. There's also the Fite-Williams-Ligon House in Carthage.
Ancient history is also preserved here, with sites like the Beasley Mounds Site, also known as the Fortified Town at the Mouth of Dixon Creek. This site holds important clues about the Mississippian culture, a group of Native American people who lived here between 900 and 1450 AD. Another ancient site is the Moss Mounds near Elmwood. These mounds are also part of the rich history of early peoples in the area.
Images for kids
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Battery Knob Earthworks
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James Bradley House
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Carthage United Methodist Church
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Cullum Mansion
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Davis-Hull House
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Dixon Springs District
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Dixona
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Fite-Williams-Ligon House
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Cordell Hull Bridge
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Rome Ferry
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Smith County Courthouse
