National Register of Historic Places listings in Tippecanoe County, Indiana facts for kids
This page is all about the special places in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Think of this register as a very important list of buildings, areas, and sites across the United States that are worth saving because of their history or special design.
In Tippecanoe County, there are 50 different places on this list! Three of these are even more special and are called National Historic Landmarks. These landmarks are recognized for being super important to the history of the entire country.
When you see a place on this list, it means it's either in a city like Lafayette or West Lafayette, or in a smaller area called a civil township. If a place is in more than one area, all the names are listed.
Contents
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of places in the U.S. that are important for their history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. It's like a hall of fame for old buildings and sites! When a place is added to this list, it helps protect it and makes people more aware of its value.
Why are these places important?
These historic places tell us stories about the past. They show us how people lived, worked, and built things long ago. Protecting them means we can learn from history and keep these special places for future generations to enjoy.
Famous Historic Places in Tippecanoe County
Tippecanoe County has many interesting places on the National Register. Here are a few examples:
Tippecanoe Battlefield
The Tippecanoe Battlefield Park is a very important National Historic Landmark. It's located near Battle Ground. This is where a famous battle happened in 1811 between U.S. forces and Native American warriors. Today, you can visit the park and see a large monument that honors those who fought there. It's a place where you can learn about a key moment in American history.
Fort Ouiatenon
Fort Ouiatenon was one of the first European settlements in Indiana. It was a French trading post built way back in 1717! It was an important place for trading furs and other goods. Today, you can visit a reconstructed fort and learn about the early history of the area and the interactions between different cultures. It's a great place to imagine what life was like hundreds of years ago.
John E. and Catherine E. Christian House (Samara)
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This house, also known as Samara, is another National Historic Landmark in West Lafayette. It was designed by a very famous architect named Frank Lloyd Wright. He was known for his unique and modern building styles. The house is a great example of his work and shows how architecture can be a form of art.
Tippecanoe County Courthouse
The Tippecanoe County Courthouse is a beautiful building in Lafayette. It was built in the late 1800s and has a very grand design. Courthouses are important because they are where laws are made and justice is served. This building is a symbol of the county's government and history.
Other Notable Places
Many other buildings and areas in Tippecanoe County are also on the National Register. These include:
- Historic Homes: Many old houses, like the Jesse Andrew House or the Moses Fowler House, are listed. These homes often show different styles of architecture from the past.
- Historic Districts: Areas like the Downtown Lafayette Historic District or the Centennial Neighborhood District are groups of buildings that together tell a story about a neighborhood's development. Walking through them is like stepping back in time!
- Unique Structures: Places like the Cairo Skywatch Tower, which was part of a defense system during the Cold War, or the Big Four Depot, an old train station, show different parts of the county's history.
Former Listings
Sometimes, a place might be removed from the National Register. This can happen if a building is destroyed or changes too much. For example, the West Lafayette Baptist Church was once on the list but was later removed.
