National Register of Historic Places listings in Vigo County, Indiana facts for kids
This article is about special places and buildings in Vigo County, Indiana, United States. These places are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes important buildings, parks, and even whole neighborhoods!
The National Register of Historic Places is like a special club for places that are important to American history. When a place is on this list, it means it's worth protecting and remembering.
There are 50 places in Vigo County on this list. One of them is even more special: it's a National Historic Landmark. This means it's super important to the history of the entire United States! A few other places were once on the list but have been removed.
When you see a place listed, it will tell you if it's in a city like Terre Haute or a smaller area called a civil township.
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of places in the United States that are important for their history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. It's managed by the National Park Service. Being on the list helps protect these places. It also helps people learn about the past.
Historic Places in Vigo County
Vigo County has many amazing historic places. Let's explore some of them!
Important Buildings and Churches
Many buildings in Vigo County have interesting stories.
Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church
The Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Terre Haute is a very old church. It started in 1837. This church was once part of the Underground Railroad, a secret network that helped enslaved people find freedom. The church and its school were very important for the African American community in the area.
Bethany Congregational Church
The Bethany Congregational Church is located in West Terre Haute. It was added to the National Register in 2003.
Branch of State Bank of Indiana (Memorial Hall)
This building in Terre Haute, also known as Memorial Hall, was once a branch of the State Bank of Indiana. It was built a long time ago and is an important part of the city's history.
First Congregational Church
The First Congregational Church in Terre Haute is another historic church building. It was added to the list in 1983.
Terre Haute Masonic Temple
The Terre Haute Masonic Temple is a grand building. It was listed in 1995. Masonic temples are often known for their unique architecture and history.
Vigo County Courthouse
The Vigo County Courthouse is the main government building in Vigo County. It was designed in a style called Second Empire, which was popular in the late 1800s. It was finished in 1883. Inside, there's a huge two-ton bell! Part of the money for this bell came from the will of a famous person named Colonel Francis Vigo.
Homes of Famous People
Some historic places are special because famous people lived there.
Eugene V. Debs Home
The Eugene V. Debs Home is a very important house in Terre Haute. It was built in 1890 by Eugene V. Debs and his wife, Kate. Eugene V. Debs was a famous American political leader and activist who fought for workers' rights. This house is now a museum where you can learn about his life and work. It's so important that it's a National Historic Landmark!
Paul Dresser Birthplace
This house is the birthplace of Paul Dresser, a famous American composer. He wrote many popular songs, including "On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away," which is Indiana's state song! The house was moved to Fairbanks Park near the Wabash River to save it from being torn down.
Parks and Neighborhoods
Some historic listings are not just single buildings, but entire areas!
Collett Park
Collett Park is a beautiful city park in Terre Haute. It was created in 1883 on land given by Josephus Collett, who was involved in railroads. The park is about 21 acres (85,000 square meters) and is full of trees. It also has a lovely pavilion built in 1894.
Collett Park Neighborhood Historic District
Right around Collett Park is a historic neighborhood. Many of the homes here were built between 1900 and 1920. You can see different styles of architecture, like Queen Anne Style, Shingle Style, and Colonial Revival.
Farrington's Grove Historic District
This historic district in Terre Haute is known for its unique collection of buildings and homes. It's a great place to see how the city grew over time.
Highland Lawn Cemetery
Highland Lawn Cemetery opened in 1884. It's not just a cemetery; it's also a historic landscape with beautiful designs and architecture from the late 1800s. Many famous people are buried here, including Eugene V. Debs (who we learned about earlier!).
Ohio Boulevard-Deming Park Historic District
This historic district includes Ohio Boulevard, a long, tree-lined street. It was designed by a famous city planner named George E. Kessler. The boulevard is about 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) long and has a grassy area in the middle that's like a city park.
Theaters and Entertainment Spots
Vigo County also has historic places where people used to go for fun!
Hippodrome Theatre
The Hippodrome Theatre was designed by a famous theater architect, John Eberson. It opened in 1915 and was a popular spot for opera, plays, and vaudeville shows (a type of variety show).
Indiana Theatre
The Indiana Theatre is another amazing theater in Terre Haute. It was built by T.W. Barhydt as a gift to the city. It was also designed by John Eberson, who made it his first "atmospheric theater". This means the inside was designed to look like an outdoor scene, like a starry night sky!
Terminal Arcade
The Terminal Arcade is a beautiful building designed by Daniel Burnham. It was originally an interurban train station, which means it was a place where electric trains that connected different towns would stop. Today, it's a restaurant.
Other Notable Places
Frank Senour Round Barn
The Frank Senour Round Barn is a unique building located northwest of Blackhawk. It was built in 1905 when round barns were popular. It's a true round barn with no corners and a cone-shaped roof. It's part of a special list of historic barns in Indiana.
Former Listings
Some places were once on the National Register but have been removed. This can happen if a building is torn down or changed so much that it loses its historic importance.
DeWees-Preston-Smith House
This house in Terre Haute was listed in 1982 but was removed in 1989.
Phoenix Club
The Phoenix Club in Terre Haute was listed in 1983 but removed in 1993.