National Register of Historic Places listings in Somerset County, Maine facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about old buildings and places that are really important to history? In Somerset County, Maine, there's a special list of these places called the National Register of Historic Places. It's like a hall of fame for buildings, sites, and objects that tell us a lot about the past of Maine and the United States.
When a place is added to this list, it means it's recognized as being very important. It could be because of its history, its amazing architecture, or even its connection to important events or people. In Somerset County, there are 59 different places on this list! One of them is even a super-important "National Historic Landmark." Let's explore some of these cool historic spots!
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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 that are worth saving. It's managed by the National Park Service. Being on the Register helps to protect these places and makes people more aware of their importance. It's a way to celebrate and preserve the history of our country for future generations.
Cool Historic Places in Somerset County
Somerset County is full of interesting history, and many of its special places are on the National Register. Here are just a few examples:
Arnold Trail to Quebec
Imagine a long journey through the wilderness! The Arnold Trail to Quebec is a historic route that follows the path taken by Benedict Arnold and his soldiers in 1775 during the American Revolutionary War. They tried to capture Quebec City in Canada. This trail goes through several counties in Maine, including Somerset. It's a reminder of a very tough and important part of American history.
Bailey Farm Windmill
The Bailey Farm Windmill in North Anson is a unique sight. Windmills were once very important for grinding grain or pumping water. This specific windmill is a great example of older farm technology and how people used natural power. It stands as a cool piece of history on Maine State Route 16.
Bingham Free Meetinghouse
The Bingham Free Meetinghouse in Bingham is a beautiful old building. It was built a long time ago and served as a place where people could gather for different community events and religious services. It shows us what community life was like in the past.
Bloomfield Academy
Located in Skowhegan, the Bloomfield Academy was an important school in its day. Academies like this were crucial for educating young people before public high schools became common. It represents the history of education in the area.
Gov. Abner Coburn House
The Gov. Abner Coburn House in Skowhegan was the home of Abner Coburn, who was the Governor of Maine in the 1860s. This house gives us a peek into the lives of important political figures from Maine's past and the grand homes they lived in.
Norridgewock Archeological District
This is a very special place! The Norridgewock Archeological District includes three sites in Norridgewock, Madison, and Starks. It's a National Historic Landmark because it holds important clues about the history of the Abenaki people and early European settlements. Archeologists study these sites to learn about how people lived hundreds of years ago.
New Portland Wire Bridge
The New Portland Wire Bridge is a really cool old bridge in New Portland. It's one of the oldest suspension bridges in the country! It crosses the Carrabassett River and shows amazing engineering from a long time ago. It's a great example of how people built things before modern technology.
Lakewood Theater
In Madison, you'll find the Lakewood Theater. This theater is on the banks of Lake Wesserunsett and has been a popular spot for entertainment for many years. It's one of the oldest summer theaters in the United States, bringing plays and shows to people for generations.
Skowhegan Historic District
The Skowhegan Historic District in Skowhegan isn't just one building; it's a whole area! It includes streets like Madison Avenue, Water Street, and Russell Street. This district is important because it shows what a busy town center looked like in the past, with many historic buildings close together.
Why are these places important?
These historic places are like giant storybooks. They help us understand:
- How people lived: From old homes to schools and meetinghouses, they show us daily life.
- Important events: Trails and battle sites remind us of big moments in history.
- Amazing architecture: Many buildings are beautiful and show different styles of building.
- Community spirit: Public buildings like libraries and meetinghouses show how communities grew.
By learning about these places, we connect with the past and understand how our towns and state became what they are today. It's like time travel, but through buildings!
Images for kids
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The route of the Arnold Expedition.
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The historic Bailey Farm Windmill.
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The Bingham Free Meetinghouse.
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Bloomfield Academy in Skowhegan.
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The home of Governor Abner Coburn.
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Caratunk Falls, part of an archeological district.
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The Connor-Bovie House in Fairfield.
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The Eaton School in Norridgewock.
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The former First Baptist Church in Skowhegan.
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Founders Hall at Maine Central Institute.
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The Gerald Hotel in Fairfield.
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The Amos Gerald House.
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The Gould House in Skowhegan.
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Prescott Administration Building in Hinckley.
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The History House in Skowhegan.
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The Lakewood Theater in Madison.
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The Madison Public Library.
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The Sophie May House in Norridgewock.
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The Mercer Union Meetinghouse.
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The New Portland Wire Bridge.
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A view of Old Point, part of the Norridgewock Archeological District.
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The Norridgewock Free Public Library.
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The Sebastian Rale Monument at Old Point.
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The Pittsfield Public Library.
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The Pittsfield Universalist Church.
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Pittston Farm.
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The L. C. Bates Museum.
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The Skowhegan Fire Station.
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The Skowhegan Free Public Library.
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The Skowhegan Historic District.
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The Somerset County Courthouse.
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The Steward-Emery House in North Anson.
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The Samuel Weston Homestead in Skowhegan.
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