National Register of Historic Places listings in Summers County, West Virginia facts for kids

Location of Summers County in West Virginia

Have you ever wondered about special places that tell stories from the past? In Summers County, West Virginia, there are several important buildings and areas that are officially recognized for their history. These places are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list kept by the United States government. It helps protect and celebrate buildings, sites, and objects that are important to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture.

When a place is added to the National Register, it means it has a unique story to tell. It could be an old house where important people lived, a mill that helped a community grow, or even a whole neighborhood that looks much like it did many years ago. Summers County has 8 such places that are part of this important list.

What is the National Register of Historic Places?

The National Register of Historic Places is like a hall of fame for historic sites across the United States. It was created in 1966. Its main goal is to help save and appreciate places that are special because of their past. When a place is listed, it gets some recognition and can sometimes get help for preservation. This means keeping it safe and looking good for future generations.

Why are places added to the list?

Places are added to the National Register for many reasons. They might be very old, show a special way of building, or be connected to important events or people in history. For example, a building might be on the list because it was part of a major historical event. Or, it could be a great example of how people lived and worked a long time ago.

Historic Places in Summers County

Summers County is home to several fascinating places on the National Register. Let's explore a few of them.

Col. James Graham House

The Col. James Graham House is a historic home located southwest of Lowell, West Virginia. This house was built a very long time ago, in 1772! It is one of the oldest homes in the area. Colonel James Graham was an important person in the early history of West Virginia. The house was added to the National Register on March 16, 1976. It stands as a reminder of the early settlers and their lives in the region.

The historic Col. James Graham House

Hinton Historic District

The Hinton Historic District is not just one building, but a whole area in the city of Hinton, West Virginia. This district includes many buildings that show what Hinton looked like in the past. It is roughly bordered by the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway line, James Street, 5th Avenue, and Roundhouse. The district was recognized on February 17, 1984. It helps us imagine what life was like when the railroad was a huge part of the town's growth.

A view of Hinton, West Virginia, part of its historic district

Summers County Courthouse

The Summers County Courthouse is a very important building in Hinton, West Virginia. It is located at Ballangee Street and 1st Avenue. This courthouse is where many important decisions for the county have been made over the years. It was added to the National Register on March 2, 1981. Courthouses often have interesting architecture and are central to a county's government and history.

The Summers County Courthouse in Hinton

Trump-Lilly Farmstead

The Trump-Lilly Farmstead is a historic farm located near Hinton, West Virginia. This farm shows how people lived and worked on farms many years ago. It was added to the National Register on November 8, 1990. Farmsteads like this one are important because they tell us about the agricultural history of an area and the daily lives of families who farmed the land.

The Trump-Lilly Farmhouse

Other Historic Places

Besides these, Summers County has other places on the National Register:

• Cooper's Mill: An old mill near Jumping Branch, West Virginia, added in 2001. Mills were vital for grinding grain and were important community centers.
• Samuel Gwinn Plantation: Another historic site near Lowell, West Virginia, listed in 1989. Plantations often have a rich history related to early farming and settlement.
• Jordan's Chapel: A chapel located northwest of Pipestem, West Virginia, added in 1980. Chapels and churches are often important community landmarks and places of worship.
• Pence Springs Hotel Historic District: This district is around the old Pence Springs Hotel in Pence Springs, West Virginia, listed in 1985. Hotels like this were once popular resorts, especially those near natural springs.

These places help us understand the rich history of Summers County and West Virginia. They are like open books, telling stories of the past for everyone to learn from and enjoy.