National Register of Historic Places listings in Springfield, Massachusetts facts for kids
Welcome to Springfield, Massachusetts! This page is all about the amazing historic places in our city that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Think of it like a special list of buildings, areas, and landmarks that are super important to American history and culture.
When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized for its unique history, beautiful architecture, or special role in the past. It helps protect these places so future generations can enjoy and learn from them too! Springfield has many such treasures, including one very important National Historic Landmark.
Contents
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) is the official list of places in the United States that are worth saving. These places can be buildings, structures, objects, sites, or even entire neighborhoods. They are chosen because they tell important stories about our country's past.
Being on the National Register doesn't mean a place can't be changed, but it does encourage people to think about its history when making decisions. It also helps with getting grants and tax benefits for preserving these special spots.
Historic Districts Explained
Sometimes, it's not just one building that's important, but a whole group of buildings or an entire neighborhood. These are called Historic Districts. In Springfield, we have several of these, like the Ames Hill/Crescent Hill District and the McKnight District. These districts show how people lived, worked, and built their communities in the past. Walking through them is like taking a step back in time!
Cool Historic Spots to See in Springfield
Springfield is full of cool places that have been around for a long time. Let's explore some of the most interesting ones on the National Register.
Springfield Armory National Historic Site
The Springfield Armory National Historic Site is a super important place. It's even a National Historic Landmark! For nearly 200 years, from 1794 to 1968, this armory was where the United States made many of its firearms. It played a huge role in American history, especially during wars. Today, you can visit the museum and see a massive collection of weapons and learn about its past.
Old Milestones from 1767
Imagine traveling a long time ago, before cars! People used milestones to know how far they had gone. The 1767 Milestones are old stone markers that were placed along the road between Boston and Springfield. One of these historic markers from Springfield is now kept safely at the Springfield Armory museum. It's a small but mighty piece of history!
First Church of Christ, Congregational
The First Church of Christ, Congregational is a beautiful old church located on Elm Street. It was built a very long time ago and has been a central part of the community for many years. Churches often tell us a lot about the early days of a town and the people who lived there.
Hampden County Courthouse
The Hampden County Courthouse on Elm Street is where important legal decisions have been made for generations. Courthouses are usually grand buildings that show the importance of law and order in a community. This one is a great example of historic architecture.
Milton-Bradley Company Building
Did you know that the famous game company, Milton Bradley, started in Springfield? The Milton-Bradley Company building on Park, Cross, and Willow Streets is where many of your favorite board games might have been invented or produced! It's a reminder of Springfield's history in manufacturing and innovation.
Indian Orchard Branch Library
Libraries are special places where everyone can learn and explore. The Indian Orchard Branch Library on Oak Street is a historic building that has served its community for many years. It shows how important education and reading were, and still are, to the people of Springfield.
New Bay Diner Restaurant
Diners are a classic part of American culture, and the New Bay Diner Restaurant on Bay Street is a historic example. These small, often shiny buildings were popular spots for quick meals and socializing. This diner gives us a peek into everyday life from a different era.
Water Shops Armory
Connected to the main Springfield Armory, the Water Shops Armory on Allen Street was another important part of the firearms manufacturing process. It used water power to help make weapons. This site shows how technology and industry developed in Springfield over time.
Images for kids
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One of the 1767 Milestones.
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The Adams Apartment Building.
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A building in the Ames Hill/Crescent Hill District.
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A building in the Apremont Triangle Historic District.
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The Bangs Block (right) and Burbach Block (left).
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The Baystate Corset Block.
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Homes in the Belle and Franklin Streets Historic District.
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The Bicycle Club Building.
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The Calhoun Apartments.
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The Carlton House Block.
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The Chapin National Bank Building.
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The Colonial Block.
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Court Square Historic District.
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The Cutler and Porter Block.
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The Amtrak Station in the Downtown Springfield Railroad District.
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Driscoll's Block.
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The Ethel Apartment House.
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The Evans Court Apartment Building.
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First Church of Christ, Congregational.
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Fitzgerald's Stearns Square Block (now demolished).
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A home in the Forest Park Heights Historic District.
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The French Congregational Church.
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The Fuller Block.
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Guenther & Handel's Block.
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The Gunn and Hubbard Blocks.
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The Hampden County Courthouse.
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The Hampden Savings Bank.
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The Hancock Apartment Building.
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The Haynes Hotel Waters Building.
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The Henking Hotel and Cafe (now demolished).
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The Hibernian Block (now demolished).
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The Hooker Apartments.
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The Indian Orchard Branch Library.
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The Ivernia Apartment Building.
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The Kennedy-Worthington Blocks.
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The Kenwyn Apartments.
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Laurel Hall.
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A building in the Maple-Union Corners Historic District.
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The Masonic Temple.
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The McIntosh Building.
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The McKinney Building.
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A street view in the McKnight District.
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St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in the Memorial Square District.
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The Mills-Hale-Owen Blocks (now demolished).
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The Mills-Stebbins Villa.
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The Milton-Bradley Company building.
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The Morgan Block.
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The Myrtle Street School.
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The New Bay Diner Restaurant.
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The Olmsted-Hixon-Albion Block.
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A street in the Outing Park Historic District.
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The Patton and Loomis Block.
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The Patton Building.
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The Produce Exchange Building.
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St. Michael's Cathedral in the Quadrangle-Mattoon Street Historic District.
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The Radding Building.
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The Republican Block.
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The Julia Sanderson Theater.
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Park Street in the Smith Carriage Company District.
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Smith's Building.
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South Congregational Church.
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The South Main Street School.
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The Main Arsenal at Springfield Armory National Historic Site.
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The Springfield District Court.
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The Springfield Fire & Marine Insurance Co. building.
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The Springfield Safe Deposit and Trust Company building.
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The Springfield Steam Power Company Block.
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St. John's Congregational Church & Parsonage-Parish for Working Girls.
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St. Joseph's Church (now demolished).
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The Stacy Building.
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The State Armory.
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The Stearns Building.
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The Trinity Block.
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The Union Trust Company Building.
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The United Electric Co. Building.
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A building in the Upper Worthington Historic District.
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The Verona Apartments.
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The W C A Boarding House.
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The Walker Building.
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The Wason-Springfield Steam Power Blocks.
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The Water Shops Armory.
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The Wells Block.
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The Whitcomb Warehouse.
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The Willy's Overland Block.
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The Indian Motorcycle Plant in the Winchester Square Historic District.
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The Worthy Hotel.
