National Register of Historic Places listings in Washington County, Kansas facts for kids
Welcome to Washington County, Kansas! This area is home to some really cool places that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This special list helps protect important buildings, sites, and objects across the United States. It's like a hall of fame for historic spots!
When a place is on this list, it means it's super important to the history of our country, state, or local area. These places tell us stories about how people lived long ago, what they built, and what events happened there. In Washington County, there are 8 different places that have earned a spot on this important list. Let's explore some of them!
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Historic Places in Washington County
Hollenberg Pony Express Station
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Imagine a time before phones or even cars! How did people send messages across the country? They used the Pony Express! The Hollenberg Pony Express Station, located about 1.5 miles east of Hanover, was a vital stop for brave riders carrying mail.
This station was built way back in 1857. It's the only Pony Express station in Kansas that is still in its original spot and looks almost exactly as it did when the Pony Express was running. Riders would stop here to change horses, grab a quick meal, and sometimes even rest before continuing their long journey. It's a fantastic place to learn about this exciting part of American history. It was added to the National Register on October 15, 1966.
Old Schools
Washington County has two historic school buildings on the National Register, showing us what education was like in the past.
Lowe Center School
The Lowe Center School, also known as District 115, is located near Morrowville. This schoolhouse tells us about rural education. Imagine all the kids from nearby farms gathering in one room to learn reading, writing, and arithmetic! It was listed on April 7, 2014.
Mahaska Rural High School
In Mahaska, you'll find the Mahaska Rural High School No. 3. This building served as a high school for students in the countryside. It's a great example of the kind of schools that helped educate young people in rural areas many years ago. It joined the National Register on June 27, 2007.
Washington County Buildings
The county seat, Washington, is home to several important historic buildings.
Washington County Courthouse
The Washington County Courthouse, located at 214 C Street, is where a lot of the county's important decisions are made. Courthouses are often grand buildings that show the importance of local government. This one was added to the National Register on April 6, 2000.
Washington County Jail and Sheriff's Residence
Right in Washington, at 23 Commercial Street, stands the old Washington County Jail and Sheriff's Residence. This building once housed both the county jail and the home of the sheriff. It's interesting to see how these two functions were combined in one place long ago. It was listed on July 19, 1996.
John F. Wayland House
Also in Washington, at 317 East 6th Street, is the John F. Wayland House. This historic home gives us a peek into the lives of prominent citizens from the past. It was added to the National Register on May 1, 2013.
Other Historic Spots
Washington County Kingpost Bridge
Near Barnes, you can find the Washington County Kingpost. This is a special type of bridge called a "kingpost truss bridge." It uses a unique triangular design to support the weight, which was a clever engineering solution for its time. It was listed on January 4, 1990.
Survey Site No. JF00-072
This site, located at the junction of several county lines near Mahaska, is a survey marker. Survey markers are important points used to map out land and define boundaries. While it might not look like a grand building, it plays a role in understanding how land was measured and divided in the past. It was added to the National Register on June 19, 1987.
These historic places in Washington County, Kansas, are like open books, each telling a unique story about the past. They help us remember and appreciate the history that shaped the area we see today!
