National Register of Historic Places listings in Warren County, Iowa facts for kids

Location of Warren County in Iowa

Have you ever wondered what makes a building or a place special enough to be protected for the future? In Warren County, Iowa, there are many cool spots that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is like a special list kept by the United States government. It helps protect important places that tell us about history.

These places can be old buildings, bridges, or even parts of parks. They are chosen because they have a unique story or show us how people lived a long time ago. There are 13 of these amazing places in Warren County. Let's explore some of them!

What is the National Register of Historic Places?

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of places in the U.S. that are worth saving. It includes buildings, structures, objects, sites, and districts. These places are important for their history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture.

Why are places added to this list?

Places are added to the list for many reasons. Maybe a famous person lived there, or an important event happened there. Sometimes, a building is a great example of a certain style of architecture. Being on the list helps people understand why these places are special. It also encourages their preservation.

How does listing help a place?

When a place is on the National Register, it gets special recognition. This can help protect it from being torn down or changed too much. It can also make it easier to get money to fix up and take care of the historic property.

Historic Places in Warren County

Warren County has a variety of historic places. They include old schools, bridges, churches, and even parts of a state park. Each one tells a different part of the county's story.

Coal Creek Bridge: A Historic Crossing

The Coal Creek Bridge near Carlisle, Iowa is one of these historic spots. It was built a long time ago and is an important part of the local transportation history. Bridges like this helped people travel and trade goods across the county.

Hoosier Row School: A Glimpse into Old Classrooms

Imagine going to school in a building like the Hoosier Row School. Located near Indianola, Iowa, this old schoolhouse shows us what classrooms were like in the past. It's a reminder of how education has changed over the years.

Indianola High School: A Landmark Building

The building known as the Indianola High School (now the Warren County Administration Building) is another important site. It's a beautiful building in Indianola, Iowa. It has served the community for many years, first as a school and now as a government office.

Lake Ahquabi State Park: Nature and History Combined

Lake Ahquabi State Park is a popular place for outdoor fun. But did you know parts of it are also historic? The Picnic Area (Area A), the Bathhouse Area (Area B), and the Refectory Area (Area C) are all listed. These areas were built in the 1930s by young men working for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). They used natural materials to create beautiful and useful structures for park visitors.

The CCC's Role in Lake Ahquabi

The Civilian Conservation Corps was a program during the Great Depression. It helped young men find jobs and build important public works. Their work at Lake Ahquabi created the picnic spots, bathhouses, and dining areas that are still used today.

Octagon Barn: A Unique Farm Building

In Otter Township, you can find the Octagon Barn. This barn is special because of its eight-sided shape. Octagon barns were popular for a short time because people thought they were more efficient for farming. This one is a great example of that unique design.

Palmyra Methodist Episcopal Church: A Place of Worship

The Palmyra Methodist Episcopal Church is a historic church southwest of Hartford. Old churches often tell us about the early communities and their beliefs. This church served as a gathering place for many years.

Polled Hereford Breed Origin Site: Important for Farming History

Near Indianola, Iowa, there's a site important to farming history: the Polled Hereford Breed Origin Site. This is where the Polled Hereford cattle breed first started. This breed is special because they don't have horns, which made them easier to manage for farmers. This site shows how important agriculture has been to Warren County.

Wallace Hall (Simpson College): A Historic College Building

Wallace Hall (also known as Science Hall) is on the Simpson College campus in Indianola, Iowa. College buildings often have rich histories. This hall has been a place of learning for many students over the years, contributing to the education of future leaders.

United Presbyterian Church, Summerset: A Community Hub

The United Presbyterian Church, Summerset is located on U.S. Route 65 near Scotch Ridge, Iowa. Like many historic churches, it was a central part of the community. It provided a place for people to gather, worship, and support each other.

Warren County Court House: The Heart of Local Government

The Warren County Court House in Indianola, Iowa, is a very important building. It's where many local government decisions are made. Courthouses are often grand buildings that show the importance of law and order in a community. This one has served the people of Warren County for many years.

Images for kids

• 

  Hoosier Row School

• 

  Indianola High School

• 

  Lake Ahquabi State Park, Picnic Area (Area A)

• 

  Lake Ahquabi State Park, Bathhouse Area (Area B)

• 

  Lake Ahquabi State Park, Refectory Area (Area C)

• 

  Octagon Barn, Otter Township

• 

  Palmyra Methodist Episcopal Church

• 

  Polled Hereford Breed Origin Site

• 

  Wallace Hall (Simpson College)

• 

  United Presbyterian Church, Summerset

• 

  Warren County Court House