National Register of Historic Places listings in Story County, Iowa facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about old buildings and places that are really important to history? In Story County, Iowa, there's a special list of these places called the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect buildings, structures, and areas that have a lot of history or special meaning.
Think of it like a hall of fame for historic sites! When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized as a valuable part of our country's past. Story County has 36 places on this list. One of them is even a National Historic Landmark, which is an even higher honor! Let's explore some of these amazing historic spots in Story County.
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Historic Places at Iowa State University
Many important historic buildings are found right on the campus of Iowa State University in Ames. These buildings have seen many students and played a big part in the university's story.
The Farm House (Knapp-Wilson House)
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The Knapp-Wilson House, also known as The Farm House, is a very special place. It's located on the Iowa State University campus. This house was built way back in 1860. It was the first building on the campus! Because it's so important, it's not just on the National Register, but it's also a National Historic Landmark. This means it's one of the most important historic places in the entire country.
Catt Hall (Agriculture Hall)
Agriculture Hall was built in 1900 and is another historic building at Iowa State University. Today, it's known as Catt Hall. It's named after Carrie Chapman Catt, a famous leader who fought for women's right to vote. This building has been a key part of the university for over a century.
Alumni Hall
Built in 1907, Alumni Hall is another beautiful building on the Iowa State University campus. It's now called the Enrollment Services Center. This building has welcomed many students over the years. It has helped them start their journey at the university.
Food Sciences Building
The Food Sciences Building was once known as the Dairy Industry Building. It was built in 1928. This building is special because it includes the Christian Petersen Courtyard Sculptures. These sculptures are artworks that add beauty and history to the campus.
Engineering Hall (Laboratory of Mechanics)
The Engineering Hall was built in 1910. It is now called the Laboratory of Mechanics. This building has been important for students learning about engineering and how things work. It's a place where many future engineers got their start.
Marston Water Tower
The Marston Water Tower is a unique structure on the Iowa State University campus. It was built in 1938. This tall tower helped provide water for the university. It's also a landmark that many students recognize.
Morrill Hall
Morrill Hall was built in 1891. It faces the central campus of Iowa State University. This building has housed many different departments over the years. It's named after Justin Smith Morrill, who helped create land-grant universities like Iowa State.
Historic Places in Ames
Beyond the university, the city of Ames has several historic places on the National Register.
Ames High School
The building known as Ames High School was built in 1938. It is located at 515 Clark Avenue. This school has educated many generations of students in Ames. It stands as an important part of the community's history.
Bandshell Park Historic District
Bandshell Park Historic District is a special area in Ames. It includes the park and surrounding streets. This park was created in 1935. It has been a place for community gatherings, concerts, and fun events for many years.
Prof. J.L. Budd, Sarah M., and Etta Budd House
The Prof. J.L. Budd, Sarah M., and Etta Budd House was built in 1885. It's located at 804 Kellogg Avenue. This house belonged to Professor J.L. Budd, who was important in horticulture (the science of growing plants) at Iowa State University.
Colonials Club House
The Colonials Club House is located at 217 Ash Avenue. It was built in 1920. This building has been a home for a student club. It shows the history of student life and organizations in Ames.
Delta Upsilon Chapter House
The Delta Upsilon Chapter House was built in 1919. It is at 117 Ash Avenue. This house is another example of the historic fraternity and sorority houses in Ames. These houses have been important parts of student social life.
Municipal Building
The Municipal Building in Ames was built in 1939. It is located at 420 Kellogg Avenue. This building has served as the city's government center for many decades. It's where important decisions for the community are made.
Old Town Historic District
The Old Town Historic District in Ames is a neighborhood with many historic homes and buildings. It's located between Duff and Clark Avenues, and 7th and 9th Streets. This district shows what Ames looked like in its earlier days. It's a great place to see different styles of old architecture.
Pleasant Grove Community Church and Cemetery
The Pleasant Grove Community Church and Cemetery was built in 1890. It is located at 56971 170th Street. This church and its cemetery have been a gathering place for the community for over a century. It holds many memories for local families.
Roosevelt School
Roosevelt School was built in 1924. It is located at 921 9th Street. This school has been a place of learning for many children in Ames. It represents the history of education in the city.
Skunk River Bridge
The Skunk River Bridge was built in 1900. It crosses the Skunk River on 255th Street. This bridge is an example of early engineering. It has helped people travel across the river for over a hundred years.
Historic Places in Nevada
The city of Nevada also has several places listed on the National Register.
Briggs Terrace
Briggs Terrace is a historic home located at 1204 H Avenue in Nevada. It was built in 1909. This house is a good example of the beautiful homes built in Nevada in the early 20th century.
Edwards-Swayze House
The Edwards-Swayze House was built in 1878. It is located at 1110 9th Street in Nevada. This house is one of the older homes in the city. It shows the architectural styles popular in the late 1800s.
Nevada Downtown Historic District
The Nevada Downtown Historic District includes many historic buildings in the heart of Nevada. This area, around 6th Street from I Avenue to M Avenue, shows the history of businesses and community life in Nevada.
Historic Places in Story City
Story City is home to some unique historic listings.
Henry T. and Emilie (Wiese) Henryson House
The Henry T. and Emilie (Wiese) Henryson House was built in 1904. It is located at 619 Grad Avenue. This house is a well-preserved example of early 20th-century architecture in Story City.
Herschel-Spillman Two-Row Portable Menagerie Carousel
The Herschel-Spillman Two-Row Portable Menagerie Carousel is a truly special historic item. It's located in North Park in Story City. This carousel was built in 1913. It's a rare and wonderful example of old-fashioned amusement park rides. It brings joy to many visitors even today!
Other Historic Places in Story County
Story County has other interesting historic places outside of its main cities.
Octagon Round Barn, Indian Creek Township
The Octagon Round Barn in Indian Creek Township is a very unusual and historic farm building. It was built in 1908. Most barns are rectangular, so this eight-sided barn is quite unique! It shows different ways people used to build things.
Sheldahl First Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church
The Sheldahl First Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church was built in 1887. It is located at 3rd and Willow Streets in Sheldahl. This church is an important part of the history of Norwegian immigrants in Iowa. It shows their community and religious life.
Former Listings
Sometimes, places are removed from the National Register of Historic Places. This can happen if they are no longer standing or if they lose their historic importance.
Soper's Mill Bridge
The Soper's Mill Bridge was once on the National Register. It was located north of Ames. This bridge was removed from the list in 2003.
Images for kids
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The Keigley Branch Bridge.
