National Register of Historic Places listings in Spencer County, Indiana facts for kids
Welcome to Spencer County, Indiana! This area is home to many cool and historic places that are so important, they're listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Think of it like a special hall of fame for buildings, bridges, and other spots that tell amazing stories about the past. These places are protected so future generations can learn from them.
In Spencer County, there are 9 places on this important list. One of them is even a National Historic Landmark, which means it's super important to the whole country! Some places used to be on the list but were later removed, perhaps because they were moved or changed. Let's explore some of these fascinating sites!
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Historic Places You Can Visit
Huffman Mill Covered Bridge
Imagine crossing a river in a wooden tunnel! That's what it's like to see the Huffman Mill Covered Bridge. This old bridge was built to help people cross the Anderson River. It's a special type of bridge called a "covered bridge" because it has a roof and sides, just like a barn. This covering helps protect the wooden parts from rain and snow, making the bridge last much longer. It's located east of Fulda and even stretches into the next county, Perry County!
Colonel William Jones House
The Colonel William Jones House is a very old home located west of Gentryville. Colonel William Jones was a friend and neighbor of Abraham Lincoln when Lincoln was growing up in Indiana. Lincoln even worked for Colonel Jones sometimes! This house gives us a peek into what life was like in Indiana during Lincoln's childhood. Today, it's part of Lincoln State Park, where you can learn more about Lincoln's early years.
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial
This is the most special place on the list in Spencer County, as it's a National Historic Landmark! The Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial is where Abraham Lincoln spent his childhood years, from age 7 to 21. It's a very important site because it shows us where one of America's greatest presidents grew up and learned about life. The memorial includes a replica of the cabin where Lincoln lived and a beautiful memorial building. It's a place to remember his mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, who is buried here.
Lincoln Pioneer Village
Located in Rockport, the Lincoln Pioneer Village is like stepping back in time! It's a collection of historic cabins and buildings that show what a small pioneer village might have looked like during Abraham Lincoln's time in Indiana. You can explore different cabins, a general store, and other structures that help you imagine life in the early 1800s. It's a great way to see how people lived and worked long ago.
St. Boniface Church
The St. Boniface Church in Fulda is a beautiful old church that stands out in the community. It's a wonderful example of historic architecture and has been an important place for people in Harrison Township for many years. Churches often serve as central gathering spots and symbols of community history, and St. Boniface is no exception.
Mathias Sharp House
The Mathias Sharp House is another historic home found in Rockport. This house is a great example of the architecture from its time period. Old houses like this one help us understand how people lived and designed their homes in the past. It's a reminder of the early settlers and families who built the town of Rockport.
Spencer County Courthouse
The Spencer County Courthouse, located in Rockport, is a grand building where many important decisions for the county have been made over the years. Courthouses are often the center of a town's government and history. This building's design and age make it a significant landmark in Spencer County, representing the community's past and present.
Places No Longer on the List
Sometimes, a place might be removed from the National Register of Historic Places. This can happen if the building is moved, changed too much, or no longer exists. Here are two examples from Spencer County:
- Brown-Kercheval House: This house in Rockport was once on the list but was removed in 1994.
- Deutsch Evangelische St. Paul's Kirche: This church, located south of Santa Claus, was removed from the list in 2012. It was moved to Santa Claus Park that same year.
