National Register of Historic Places listings in Washington County, Iowa facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about old buildings and places that are super important to history? In Washington County, Iowa, there are many special spots that are officially recognized for their historical value. These places are listed on something called the National Register of Historic Places. It's like a special list of buildings, areas, and structures that tell us a lot about the past.
This list helps protect these places so future generations can learn from them. It also helps people understand the history of Washington County and the whole United States. There are 19 places in Washington County that are currently on this list. A few others were once listed but have since been removed.
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What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation's historic places worth saving. It's managed by the National Park Service in the United States. When a place is added to this list, it means it's important for its history, architecture, or what it represents.
Being on the list can help protect a building or area from being changed too much or torn down. It also makes people more aware of its special history. These places can be anything from old houses and churches to bridges and even whole neighborhoods!
Cool Historic Places in Washington County
Washington County is home to many interesting places that have a rich history. Let's explore some of them!
Old Buildings and Homes
Many historic homes and buildings in Washington County tell stories of the people who lived and worked there.
- H.A. Baxter Coal Company Historic District: This area at 601 E. 3rd St. in Washington was listed in 2015. It shows us what a coal company looked like a long time ago.
- Blair House: Located at E. Washington St. and S. 2nd Ave. in Washington, this house was added to the list in 1973. It's a great example of older homes in the area.
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- Smith Wildman and Jennie (Hearne) Brookhart House: You can find this house at 1203 E. Washington St. in Washington. It was listed in 2005 and belonged to an important family.
- Jonathan Clark Conger House: This house at 903 E. Washington St. in Washington was listed in 1974. It's another example of the beautiful old homes in the county.
- Joseph Keck House: At 504 W. Washington St. in Washington, this house joined the list in 1978.
- Kurtz House: Located at 305 S. Ave., C in Washington, the Kurtz House was listed in 1977.
- Winfield Smouse House: This home at 321 S. Iowa Ave. in Washington was added in 1983.
- Frank Stewart House: You can find this house at 603 W. Washington St. in Washington. It was listed in 1987.
- Alexander Young Cabin: This historic cabin at W. Madison St. between G and H Aves. in Washington was listed in 1973. It gives us a peek into early life in the area.
Important Public and Commercial Buildings
Some buildings are important because they served the community or were centers of business.
- McCleery Calendar Factory: This factory at 632 E. 3rd St. in Washington was listed in 2015. It shows the county's industrial past.
- Washington County Courthouse: The courthouse at N. B Ave. in Washington was listed in 1981. Courthouses are often important symbols of local government and history.
- Washington Downtown Historic District: This district covers several blocks of Iowa & Marion Aves., Washington, Main & 2nd Sts. in Washington. It was listed in 2013 and includes many historic buildings that make up the heart of the town.
Churches and Cemeteries
Places of worship and burial grounds often hold deep historical and cultural meaning.
- Gracehill Moravian Church and Cemetery: Located southwest of Washington on Iowa Highway 314, this church and cemetery were listed in 1977. It's a significant site for the Moravian community.
- St. Mary's Parish Church Buildings: These buildings at St. Mary's and Washburn Sts. in Riverside were listed in 1979. They represent an important part of the local religious history.
- Pilotburg Church: This church at 1874 155th St. near Wellman was listed in 1996.
- Woodlawn Cemetery Gates and Shelter: Located at 501 W. Adams in Washington, these gates and shelter were listed in 2016. Cemeteries often have beautiful and historic structures.
Bridges and Other Structures
Even bridges and underpasses can be important historical landmarks.
- CM and StP Railroad Underpass: This underpass on County Road G38 over the Soo Railroad line in Washington was listed in 1998. It's an example of historic transportation infrastructure.
- County Line Bridge: This bridge on the 140th block of County Line Rd. over Long Creek near Columbus Junction was listed in 1998. It even extends into Louisa County.
Buildings That Were Once Listed
Sometimes, a place that was once on the National Register of Historic Places might be removed. This can happen for a few reasons. For example, if a building is torn down, or if it changes so much that it loses its historical importance, it might be delisted.
Here are some places in Washington County that were once on the list:
- Thomas Johnson Polygonal Barn: This unique barn near Wellman was listed in 1986 but removed in 2014.
- Rubio Bridge: This bridge over the Skunk River near Rubio was listed in 1998 but delisted in 2002.
- Washington County Hospital: Located at S. 4th Ave. and Clara Barton in Washington, this hospital was listed in 1977 but removed in 2006.
These places, even if no longer on the list, still have a story to tell about Washington County's past.
