National Register of Historic Places listings in Wabaunsee County, Kansas facts for kids

Location of Wabaunsee County in Kansas

Hey there, history explorers! Did you know that all across the United States, there are special places that are super important to our country's past? These places are listed on something called the National Register of Historic Places. It's like a hall of fame for buildings, neighborhoods, and other spots that tell amazing stories about how people lived, worked, and built communities long ago.

In Wabaunsee County, Kansas, there are 17 of these incredible historic places! Each one has a unique story to share, from old churches and schools to downtown areas and even bridges. Let's take a closer look at some of these cool spots and what makes them so special. You can even see where some of them are on a map!

Discover Wabaunsee County's Historic Treasures

Alma Downtown Historic District

Imagine stepping back in time to a bustling town center! The Alma Downtown Historic District is a special area in Alma that includes many old buildings along Missouri Street. These buildings show us what the town looked like and how it grew, giving us a peek into the past of this Kansas community. It was added to the list in 2009.

Beecher Bible and Rifle Church

The historic Beecher Bible and Rifle Church

Located in Wabaunsee, the Beecher Bible and Rifle Church is a very famous and important building. It got its name because early settlers, who were against slavery, brought both Bibles (for faith) and rifles (for protection) with them. This church stands as a symbol of their strong beliefs and courage. It became a historic place in 1971.

Brandt Hotel

The Brandt Hotel at 400 Missouri Street in Alma is another historic gem. Hotels like this were once busy places where travelers and locals gathered. This building helps us understand what life was like when people traveled by horse and buggy or early cars, and needed a place to stay. It joined the National Register in 2008.

East Stone Arch Bridge - Lake Wabaunsee

Near Eskridge, you'll find the East Stone Arch Bridge. This bridge is a great example of old-time engineering, built with strong stones to last a long time. It's part of the beautiful scenery around Lake Wabaunsee and was added to the list in 2009.

Eskridge Bandstand

In the heart of Eskridge City Park, the Eskridge Bandstand is a charming spot where music and community events likely took place. Bandstands were popular gathering places in the past, bringing people together for entertainment and fun. This one became a historic site in 2017.

Fix Farmstead

The Fix Farmstead, located near Alma, gives us a glimpse into the history of farming in Kansas. Farmsteads like this include old homes, barns, and other buildings that show how families lived and worked the land. It was recognized as historic in 2015.

Paxico Historic District

Just like Alma, Paxico also has its own historic district, including buildings on Newbury Street. This area helps us imagine what the town looked like when it was first developing, with shops and homes that tell the story of its early days. It joined the National Register in 1998.

Security State Bank (Eskridge, Kansas)

The Security State Bank building in Eskridge, at Main and 2nd Streets, is a historic example of a bank from long ago. Banks are important buildings in any town, showing how communities managed their money and grew. This building was added to the list in 1982.

Snokomo School

The old Snokomo School building

About 8 miles south of Paxico stands the Snokomo School. One-room schoolhouses like this were common in the past, where children of all ages learned together from one teacher. It's a wonderful reminder of how education used to be. It became a historic place in 1995.

Southeast Stone Arch Bridge - Lake Wabaunsee

Another impressive stone bridge near Eskridge is the Southeast Stone Arch Bridge, also near Lake Wabaunsee. These bridges are not just useful for crossing, but also beautiful examples of how things were built many years ago. It was added to the list in 2009, just like its eastern counterpart.

Stuewe House

The Stuewe House at 617 Nebraska in Alma is a historic home that tells us about the people who lived there and the architectural styles of the past. Old houses often have unique features that show how families lived and what was popular at the time. It joined the National Register in 2007.

Peter Thoes Barn

The Peter Thoes Barn, located at 25709 Hessdale Road near Alma, is a great example of an old farm building. Barns were essential for farming, housing animals and storing crops. This barn helps us understand the agricultural history of Wabaunsee County. It was recognized in 2013.

Wabaunsee County Courthouse

The historic Wabaunsee County Courthouse

The Wabaunsee County Courthouse at 215 Kansas Avenue in Alma is a very important building for the county. Courthouses are where local government takes place, and this historic building has seen many decisions and events that shaped the area. It became a historic site in 2002.

Wabaunsee District No. 1 Grammar School

Another historic school, the Wabaunsee District No. 1 Grammar School at 56 Center Street in Wabaunsee, reminds us of the importance of education in early communities. These schools were the heart of learning for many generations of children. It was added to the list in 2005.