National Register of Historic Places listings in Warren County, Illinois facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about really old buildings or places that have a special story? In the United States, there's a special list called the National Register of Historic Places. It's like a hall of fame for important buildings, sites, and objects that are worth protecting because of their history.
This list helps us remember the past and keep cool old places safe for the future. In Warren County, Illinois, there are 10 amazing places that have made it onto this important list! These places are located all around the county, mostly in the city of Monmouth and one in Alexis.
Exploring Warren County's Historic Places
Warren County is home to several buildings and areas that have been recognized for their historical importance. These places tell us stories about how people lived, worked, and built communities many years ago.
What Makes a Place Historic?
For a building or area to be added to the National Register, it needs to be special. Maybe it's very old, has a unique design, or was important to a famous person or event. When a place is listed, it means it's recognized as a valuable part of our shared history.
Historic Buildings in Warren County
Many of the places on the list in Warren County are historic buildings. These include homes, stores, and even an old opera house! Let's look at a few examples:
The Alexis Opera House
In the town of Alexis, you can find the Alexis Opera House. This building was listed in 1987. Imagine all the shows and performances that might have happened there long ago! It's a reminder of how people entertained themselves in the past.
Homes with History
Several homes in Monmouth are on the list, each with its own story. For example, the Carr House, the Sarah Martin House, the Pike-Sheldon House, the Ivory Quinby House, the Minnie Stewart House, and the William S. Weir, Jr. House are all recognized. These houses show us different styles of architecture from the past and give us a peek into the lives of the families who lived there.
Historic Downtown Areas
Sometimes, it's not just one building, but a whole group of buildings that are important. The Monmouth Courthouse Commercial Historic District is an example of this. This area includes many buildings around the courthouse square in Monmouth. It shows what a busy town center looked like in earlier times, with shops and businesses that were important to the community.
Old Stores and Businesses
The E. B. Colwell and Company Department Store and the Patton Block Building are also on the list. These buildings were once places where people shopped and did business. They help us understand how towns grew and how people bought goods and services many years ago.
Why These Places Matter
Protecting these historic places is important for many reasons. They help us:
- Learn about the past: By visiting or learning about these sites, we can understand what life was like for people who lived before us.
- Preserve unique architecture: Many of these buildings have special designs that aren't common today.
- Connect with our community: These places are part of the local identity and history of Warren County.
| Name on the Register | Image | Date listed | Location | City or town | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alexis Opera House |
 |
(#87001267) |
101-105 N. Main St. 41°03′47″N 90°33′21″W / 41.062917°N 90.555972°W |
Alexis | |
| 2 | Carr House |
 |
(#88001229) |
416 E. Broadway 40°54′44″N 90°38′36″W / 40.912222°N 90.643333°W |
Monmouth | |
| 3 | E. B. Colwell and Company Department Store |
 |
(#92001851) |
208 S. Main St. and 211 S. A St. 40°54′38″N 90°38′55″W / 40.910556°N 90.648611°W |
Monmouth | |
| 4 | Sarah Martin House |
 |
(#80001414) |
310 E. Broadway 40°54′44″N 90°38′42″W / 40.912222°N 90.645000°W |
Monmouth | |
| 5 | Monmouth Courthouse Commercial Historic District |
 |
(#05001604) |
Roughly bounded by Archer Ave., 1st St., 2nd Ave., and A St. 40°54′43″N 90°38′54″W / 40.911944°N 90.648333°W |
Monmouth | |
| 6 | Patton Block Building |
 |
(#90001727) |
88 and 90 Public Sq. 40°54′46″N 90°38′55″W / 40.912639°N 90.648611°W |
Monmouth | |
| 7 | Pike-Sheldon House |
 |
(#99000976) |
406 S. Third St. 40°54′29″N 90°38′41″W / 40.908056°N 90.644722°W |
Monmouth | |
| 8 | Ivory Quinby House |
 |
(#80001415) |
605 N. 6th St. 40°55′03″N 90°38′25″W / 40.917500°N 90.640278°W |
Monmouth | |
| 9 | Minnie Stewart House |
 |
(#89001733) |
1015 E. Euclid Ave. 40°55′00″N 90°38′07″W / 40.916667°N 90.635278°W |
Monmouth | |
| 10 | William S. Weir, Jr. House |
 |
(#92001004) |
402 E. Broadway 40°54′44″N 90°38′38″W / 40.912222°N 90.643889°W |
Monmouth |
