National Register of Historic Places listings in Walla Walla County, Washington facts for kids

Walla Walla County, located in southeastern Washington state, is home to many important historical buildings and places. These sites are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which is a special list of places in the United States that are worth preserving because of their history.

This list helps us learn about the past and protect buildings, homes, and areas that tell stories about how people lived, worked, and built communities in Walla Walla County many years ago. From old schools and hotels to historic homes and even an old fort, these places show us the rich history of the region.

Historic Places in Walla Walla County

Amazing Old Buildings in Walla Walla

Many of Walla Walla's historic buildings show off different styles of architecture from the past.

Max Baumeister Building: A Historic Business Hub

The Max Baumeister Building was built in 1889. It's a great example of late Victorian commercial architecture, meaning it was designed for businesses during that time. It has some fancy Italianate details. For many years, this building has been home to all sorts of shops and offices.

The Max Baumeister Building, built in 1889.

John F. Boyer House: A Pioneer Banker's Home

The John F. Boyer House was built in 1883. It's a Victorian Stick Style house, which is a type of architecture that uses decorative wooden boards on the outside. John Boyer, a banker who came from San Francisco, built this house. Today, it is still a private home.

The historic John F. Boyer House.

Norman Francis Butler House: A Queen Anne Beauty

The Norman Francis Butler House was built in 1882. It's a fantastic example of Queen Anne architecture, known for its towers, turrets, and decorative details. Norman Francis Butler built this beautiful house for his wife. It is currently a private home.

The Norman Francis Butler House, a Queen Anne style home.

Dacres Hotel: From Grand Hotel to Steakhouse

The Dacres Hotel was built in the Victorian Italianate style. In 1899, James E. Dacres opened it as a fancy, first-class hotel in Walla Walla. It operated as a hotel until 1963. Today, this historic building houses the CrossRoads Steakhouse.

The Dacres Hotel building.

Electric Light Works Building: Powering the Past

The Electric Light Works Building was designed by Henry Osterman and built in 1890. It was originally used to make coal gas, which was then piped underground to light homes and businesses. Later, it was changed to generate electricity. Now, this historic building is home to the Power House Theater.

The Electric Light Works Building, now the Power House Theater.

Kirkman House: Walla Walla's Oldest Home

The Kirkman House is the oldest house in Walla Walla! This brick Italianate Victorian style house was built by William Kirkman in 1880. It was home to three generations of his family. Today, it is the Kirkman House Museum and Textile Center, where you can learn about its history.

The Kirkman House, Walla Walla's oldest residence.

Liberty Theater: From Movies to Macy's

The Liberty Theater building shows off Craftsman and Moderne architecture styles. It was designed by Osterman and Siebert and first opened in 1917 as the American Theater, a place where people could watch movies. Today, this historic building is a Macy's department store.

The Liberty Theater building.

George Ludwigs House: A Craftsman Style Home

The George Ludwigs House was designed by William Meyer in 1904 for local businessman George Ludwigs and his family. This house is an example of Craftsman and Shingle Style architecture, known for its natural materials and cozy feel. It is currently a private home.

The George Ludwigs House.

Marcus Whitman Hotel: A Grand Stay

The Marcus Whitman Hotel is a historic and grand hotel located in Walla Walla. It has been an important part of the city's downtown area for many years.

The Marcus Whitman Hotel.

Memorial Building, Whitman College: A College Landmark

The Memorial Building is an important building on the campus of Whitman College in Walla Walla. It is a significant part of the college's history and architecture.

The Memorial Building at Whitman College.

Miles C. Moore House: Home of a Governor

The Miles C. Moore House was originally built in 1883. This historic home belonged to Miles Moore and his family. Miles Moore was a Territorial Governor, which means he was a leader of the Washington Territory before it became a state.

Northern Pacific Railway Passenger Depot: A Historic Train Station

The Northern Pacific Railway Passenger Depot was once a busy train station in Walla Walla. It played an important role in connecting the city to other places by rail, bringing people and goods in and out of the area.

Osterman House: A Historic Residence

The Osterman House is a historic home in Walla Walla. It is recognized for its architectural style and its connection to the area's past.

The Osterman House.

Small-Elliott House: Another Historic Home

The Small-Elliott House is another historic residence located in Walla Walla. It is recognized for its historical significance and architectural features.

The Small-Elliott House.

U.S. Post Office – Walla Walla Main: Delivering History

The U.S. Post Office – Walla Walla Main building has served as the main post office for Walla Walla for many years. It's a historic building where mail has been sorted and sent out to the community.

The U.S. Post Office – Walla Walla Main.

Walla Walla Public Library: From Books to Art

The Walla Walla Public Library building was designed by Henry Osterman. It served as the city's main library for a long time, a place where people could borrow books and learn. Today, this historic building is the Carnegie Art Center.

The former Walla Walla Public Library, now the Carnegie Art Center.

Walla Walla Valley Traction Company Car Barn: Old Streetcars and New Wine

The Walla Walla Valley Traction Company Car Barn was originally the place where Walla Walla's streetcars and trains were kept and maintained. These streetcars were a popular way for people to get around the city. Now, this historic building has been repurposed and is the Canoe Ridge Vineyard tasting room.

The Walla Walla Valley Traction Company Car Barn.

Washington School: From Classrooms to Homes

The Washington School was once a school building in Walla Walla, where many students learned and grew. Over time, the building was changed and now serves as apartments.

The Washington School building, now apartments.

Whitehouse-Crawford Planing Mill: From Wood to Wine

The Whitehouse-Crawford Planing Mill was built in 1904. It was originally a woodworking mill, where wood was cut and shaped for building and other uses. Today, this historic industrial building has found a new life as the Seven Hills Winery.

The Whitehouse-Crawford Planing Mill, now Seven Hills Winery.

YMCA Building – Walla Walla: A Community Hub

The YMCA Building – Walla Walla is a historic building that once housed the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA). The YMCA is an organization that provides community programs, including sports, education, and social activities.

Historic Places in Waitsburg and Dixie

Walla Walla County also has important historic sites in its smaller towns.

William Perry Bruce House: A Museum in Waitsburg

The William Perry Bruce House was built in 1883 in the Victorian Italianate style. It was built by William Perry Bruce, who was one of the first settlers of Waitsburg. Today, this historic house is the Bruce Memorial Museum, run by the Waitsburg Historical Society. It's a great place to learn about the town's history!

Dixie High School: A School with a Long History

The Dixie High School building was designed by the Walla Walla architectural firm of Osterman and Siebert and built in 1921. It served as a high school until 1941. Now, this historic building houses the Dixie Elementary School, continuing its role in educating local students.

Preston Hall: A Waitsburg Landmark

Preston Hall is a historic building located in Waitsburg. It is recognized for its architectural significance and its role in the town's history.

Preston Hall in Waitsburg.

Waitsburg High School: Still Educating Students

The Waitsburg High School building, located on Coopei Street, is a historic school that continues to serve the community. It has been a place of learning for many generations of students in Waitsburg.

Waitsburg High School.

Waitsburg Historic District: Preserving a Town's Charm

The Waitsburg Historic District covers the Main Street area of Waitsburg. This district helps protect the historic feel and look of the town. It includes many buildings that show what Waitsburg was like in the past.

Main Street in the Waitsburg Historic District.

Other Important Historic Sites

Fort Walla Walla Historic District: A Military Past

The Fort Walla Walla Historic District is a very important historical area. Fort Walla Walla was built in 1859 and was a military base until 1910. Many of the original buildings, built between 1858 and 1906, are still standing. Today, the site is a large city park, home to the Fort Walla Walla Museum, and the Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center. It's a place where you can explore military history and local heritage.

Fort Walla Walla.

Green Park School: A Renaissance Revival School

The Green Park School was designed by Henry Osterman and built in 1905. It's an example of Renaissance Revival architecture, which means it was designed to look like buildings from the Renaissance period. It is still known as Green Park Elementary School today.

Johnson Bridge: An Old River Crossing

The Johnson Bridge was designed by E.R. Smith and built in 1929 by the Walla Walla County engineering department. This bridge used to span the Touchet River. While it was replaced by a new bridge in 2007, it remains a historic part of the county's infrastructure.

A marker for the historic Johnson Bridge.

Whitman Mission National Historic Site: A Place of Remembrance

The Whitman Mission National Historic Site is a very important historical location west of Walla Walla. It commemorates the Whitman Mission, which was established in 1836 by missionaries Marcus and Narcissa Whitman. This site tells the story of early American settlement and interactions with Native American tribes in the Pacific Northwest.

The grave site at Whitman Mission National Historic Site.

Former Listing

Sometimes, historic places are removed from the National Register of Historic Places. This can happen if a building is torn down or if it loses its historical importance.

Adolph Schwarz Building: A Lost Piece of History

The Adolph Schwarz Building was once listed on the National Register of Historic Places. However, this building, located on East Main Street in Walla Walla, was unfortunately torn down in 1976.