National Register of Historic Places listings in Sullivan County, Indiana facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about the cool old places in your town or county? In Sullivan County, Indiana, there are many special spots that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list kept by the United States government. It helps protect important buildings, sites, and objects that tell us about the past.
When a place is on this list, it means it's really important to the history of our country, state, or local area. It could be an old house, a school, a park, or even an ancient village site! These places help us learn about how people lived long ago and what events shaped our communities.
There are 11 places in Sullivan County that are on this important list. Let's explore some of them!
Exploring Ancient History in Sullivan County
Some of the oldest and most fascinating places on the National Register in Sullivan County are archaeological sites. These are spots where scientists called archaeologists find clues about people who lived thousands of years ago.
Daugherty-Monroe Archaeological Site
The Daugherty-Monroe Archaeological Site is a very old place located in Turman Township. It was added to the National Register in 1985. Imagine people living here long, long ago! Archaeologists study sites like this to understand ancient cultures, their tools, and how they lived off the land. It's like a giant puzzle where every piece tells a story about the past.
Merom Site and Fort Azatlan
Another amazing ancient site is the Merom Site and Fort Azatlan, found north of Merom. This site was recognized as important in 1975. It includes an old fort, which tells us about how people protected themselves in ancient times. These sites are like open-air museums, showing us how early communities were organized and what their daily lives were like.
Historic Buildings and Landmarks
Sullivan County also has many historic buildings that show us how people lived and worked in more recent times.
Sullivan County Courthouse
The Sullivan County Courthouse is a very important building in the city of Sullivan. It was built a long time ago and is where many important decisions for the county are made. It was added to the National Register in 2008. Courthouses are often grand buildings because they represent justice and local government. This building has seen many years of history unfold within its walls.
Shelburn Interurban Depot
The Shelburn Interurban Depot-THI&E Interurban Depot is a historic train station located in Shelburn. It was listed in 2015. "Interurban" means it was a train that connected different towns, making it easier for people to travel and for goods to be moved. This depot reminds us of a time before cars were common, when trains were a main way to get around. It's a cool piece of transportation history!
Union Christian College
In Merom, you can find the historic Union Christian College. This building was added to the National Register in 1982. Colleges are places of learning, and this old building has seen many students come and go, all trying to get an education. It's a symbol of how important education has been in the community for many years.
Sherman Building
The Sherman Building is another historic spot in Sullivan, added to the list in 1986. Located on South Court Street, this building is a great example of the architecture from its time. Many old downtown buildings have interesting stories and show us how towns grew and changed over the years.
Parks and Other Historic Places
Historic places aren't just buildings or ancient sites; they can also be large areas like parks!
Shakamak State Park Historic District
The Shakamak State Park Historic District is a large area that includes parts of Jackson Township in Sullivan County, and also stretches into Clay and Greene counties. This park was added to the National Register in 2000. State parks are wonderful places for nature and recreation, but many also have historic importance, often because of how they were built or used in the past. Shakamak State Park is a great example of a place where you can enjoy nature and learn about history at the same time!