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National Register of Historic Places listings in Tompkins County, New York facts for kids

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Map of New York highlighting Tompkins County
Location of Tompkins County in New York

Welcome to Tompkins County, New York! Did you know that many of its buildings and places are super important because of their history? This list tells you all about the special spots in Tompkins County that are on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list kept by the United States government. It helps protect places that are important for their history, architecture, or what they mean to our culture.

One building, Morrill Hall at Cornell University, is even more special. It's a U.S. National Historic Landmark! This means it's one of the most important historic places in the entire country.

Historic Gems in Tompkins County

Tompkins County is full of amazing historic places. Let's explore some of them!

Ithaca's Important Buildings

Ithaca is the biggest city in Tompkins County and has many historic sites.

Cornell University's Historic Halls

Cornell University has several buildings on the National Register.

  • Bailey Hall: This large building is used for concerts and big events. It's a central part of the campus.
  • Caldwell Hall: Another historic building at Cornell, recognized for its architecture.
  • Comstock Hall: Originally known as the Computing and Communications Center, this building is also on the list.
  • Fernow Hall: Named after a famous forestry expert, this hall is part of Cornell's history.
  • Morrill Hall: This is the very special building we mentioned earlier. It was one of the first buildings built at Cornell University. It's named after Justin Morrill, who helped create land-grant universities like Cornell.
  • Rice Hall: This building is another historic part of the Cornell campus.
  • Roberts Hall: This building no longer exists, but it was once an important part of Cornell's history.
  • Stone Hall: Like Roberts Hall, this building is no longer standing but was once a key part of the university.
  • Wing Hall: Another historic building on the Cornell University campus.

Downtown Ithaca's Landmarks

The heart of Ithaca also has many historic places.

  • Boardman House: A historic home located on East Buffalo Street.
  • Clinton Hall: Found on North Cayuga Street, this building has a rich history.
  • Clinton House: Another historic building on North Cayuga Street, known for its unique architecture.
  • De Witt Park Historic District: This is not just one building, but a whole area! It includes a square and the properties around it, showing what Ithaca looked like long ago.
  • Ithaca Downtown Historic District: This is a large area in downtown Ithaca that includes many historic streets and buildings. It shows how the city grew over time.
  • Lehigh Valley Railroad Station: This old train station is a reminder of when trains were a main way to travel. It's a beautiful building near the lake.
  • State Theater: This historic theater on West State Street is a popular spot for shows and events today. It has a classic design.
  • U.S. Post Office-Ithaca: This building on North Tioga Street has served the community for many years.

Other Notable Ithaca Sites

  • Rufus and Flora Bates House: A historic house on Giles Street.
  • Cascadilla School Boathouse: Located by Cayuga Lake, this boathouse has a unique history related to a former school.
  • Deke House: A historic fraternity house on South Avenue.
  • Dennis–Newton House: This house on North Albany Street is very important. It was the first house used by a black fraternity in the U.S. when Alpha Phi Alpha started at Cornell in 1905.
  • East Hill Historic District: Another historic district in Ithaca, showing a collection of old buildings.
  • Enfield Falls Mill and Miller's House: Located southwest of Ithaca in Robert H. Treman State Park, this old mill and house tell a story of early industry.
  • Hayt's Chapel and Schoolhouse: These two buildings on Trumansburg Road served as a place of worship and learning.
  • Llenroc: This grand house was the home of Ezra Cornell, who founded Cornell University.
  • St. James AME Zion Church: A historic church on Cleveland Avenue, important to the community.
  • Second Tompkins County Courthouse: This building on East Court Street was once where important legal decisions were made for the county.
  • Telluride House: A historic house on West Avenue.
  • Andrew Dickson White House: This house on East Avenue was the home of Andrew Dickson White, the first president of Cornell University.

Dryden's Historical Treasures

The town and village of Dryden also have many places on the National Register.

  • Luther Clarke House: A historic home on West Main Street in Dryden village.
  • Dryden District School No. 5: An old school building on Hanshaw Road.
  • Dryden Historic District: This district in Dryden village includes many historic buildings along its main streets.
  • Ellis Methodist Episcopal Church: A historic church located in Ellis Hollow.
  • Jennings-Marvin House: Another historic house on Library Street in Dryden village.
  • Lacy-Van Vleet House: A historic home on West Main Street in Dryden village.
  • Methodist Episcopal Church: A historic church on North Street in Dryden village.
  • Rockwell House: A historic house on West Main Street in Dryden village.
  • Southworth House: A historic home on North Street in Dryden village.
  • Southworth Library: This beautiful library building on West Main Street has been a center for learning for many years.
  • West Dryden Methodist Episcopal Church: A historic church located at the junction of West Dryden and Sheldon Roads.

Trumansburg and Other Towns

Other towns in Tompkins County also have their own special historic places.

  • William Austin House: A historic house on Seneca Street in Trumansburg.
  • Hermon Camp House: A historic home on Camp Street in Trumansburg.
  • First Presbyterian Church of Ulysses: A historic church on Main Street in Trumansburg.
  • Newfield Covered Bridge: This charming covered bridge on Covered Bridge Street in Newfield is a rare and beautiful sight.
  • Rogues' Harbor Inn: A historic inn on East Shore Drive in Lansing.
  • Second Baptist Society of Ulysses: A historic church on Congress Street in Trumansburg.
  • District No. 2 School, Caroline and Dryden: An old school building on Slaterville Road in Slaterville Springs.
  • District Number 7 School: Another historic school building on Mill Road at the Park in Speedsville.
  • St. John's Episcopal: A historic church on Seventy Six Road in Speedsville.
  • St. Thomas Episcopal Church: A historic church on Slaterville Road in Slaterville Springs.
  • Groton High School: A historic school building on Main Street in Groton.

Restricted and Former Sites

Some historic sites have addresses that are kept private to protect them.

  • Indian Fort Road Site: A historic site in Trumansburg with a restricted address.
  • Ithaca Pottery Site: A historic site in Ithaca with a restricted address.
  • Nicoll Halsey House and Halseyville Archeological Sites: This includes a historic house and important archeological sites in Halseyville, with a restricted address.

There was also once a Strand Theatre in Ithaca that was on the list but has since been removed.

These places help us remember the past and understand how Tompkins County has grown and changed over time!

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National Register of Historic Places listings in Tompkins County, New York Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.