National Register of Historic Places listings in West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana facts for kids
Hey there, young history explorers! This article is all about the amazing old buildings and places in West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana. These special spots are so important that they've been added to a list called the National Register of Historic Places.
Think of the National Register as a hall of fame for historic buildings, sites, and objects across the United States. When a place is added to this list, it means it's really important to the history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture of our country. It helps protect these places and makes sure they can be enjoyed for many years to come.
In West Baton Rouge Parish, there are 16 different places that have made it onto this special list. One place used to be on the list but was later removed. Let's take a look at some of these cool historic treasures!
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, which is part of the U.S. government. Being on the Register doesn't mean a place is a museum, but it does mean it's recognized for its historical value.
Why are places added to the Register?
Places get on the National Register for many reasons. Maybe they are very old and show how people lived a long time ago. Some might be great examples of a certain style of building, like a fancy Victorian house or a simple Creole cottage. Others might be important because famous people lived there, or big historical events happened there. It's all about keeping our history alive!
Protecting our past
When a building or site is on the National Register, it gets special attention. It can sometimes get help with funding for repairs or preservation. It also means that if any big projects (like building new roads) are planned nearby, they have to consider how it might affect the historic place. This helps make sure these important parts of our past are not forgotten or destroyed.
Historic Treasures in West Baton Rouge Parish
West Baton Rouge Parish is full of interesting history, and its National Register listings show just how rich that history is. From old homes to sugar mills and schools, each place tells a unique story.
Aillet House
The Aillet House is a historic home located in Port Allen. It was built a long time ago and gives us a peek into what homes looked like in the past. Today, you can find it on the grounds of the West Baton Rouge Museum, where it's part of a permanent exhibit. It's a great place to learn about daily life from another era.
Allendale Plantation Historic District
The Allendale Plantation Historic District is a collection of historic buildings that were once part of a large plantation. Located near Port Allen, this district helps us understand the history of farming and community life in Louisiana. It includes several buildings that show the architecture and way of life from many years ago.
Antonia
Antonia is another beautiful historic house in Port Allen. This home is a great example of French Creole architecture, which is a unique style found in Louisiana. These homes often have wide porches and are designed to stay cool in the warm climate. Antonia helps us appreciate the special building styles of the region.
Bank of Addis
The Bank of Addis is an old bank building in the town of Addis. It was built in 1992 and is a reminder of how towns grew and developed in Louisiana. Old bank buildings often have interesting designs that show the importance of money and business in a community's history.
Cinclare Sugar Mill Historic District
The Cinclare Sugar Mill Historic District in Brusly is a very important historical site. Louisiana has a long history of growing sugar cane and making sugar. This district includes buildings and machinery from an old sugar mill, showing how sugar was produced in the past. It's a fascinating look at the industrial history of the area.
Hebert House
The Hebert House in Brusly is another historic home that has been preserved. Like many old houses on the National Register, it offers insights into the lives of families who lived there and the architectural styles popular at the time it was built.
Old Brusly High School Gymnasium
The Old Brusly High School Gymnasium in Brusly is a cool example of a historic school building. Gyms are often places where communities gather for sports, events, and celebrations. This old gym reminds us of the history of education and community life in Brusly.
Port Allen High School
Just like the Brusly gym, the Port Allen High School building is also on the National Register. Located in Port Allen, this school building has seen many students pass through its doors over the years. It represents the history of learning and growing up in the parish.
Other Historic Plantations
West Baton Rouge Parish is home to several other historic plantations that are also on the National Register. These include:
- Homestead Plantation
- Monte Vista Plantation House
- Poplar Grove Plantation House
- Sandbar Plantation House
- Smithfield Plantation House
These plantations are important because they tell the story of agriculture, architecture, and the people who lived and worked on these lands throughout history. They are key parts of Louisiana's heritage.
Former Listing
Sometimes, a property might be removed from the National Register. This can happen if the building is changed too much, or if it is unfortunately destroyed.
Cohn High School
Cohn High School in Port Allen was once on the National Register of Historic Places. It was added in 2004 but was later removed from the list in 2015. Even though it's no longer on the list, it was still recognized for its historical importance for a time.
Images for kids
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The historic Aillet House in Port Allen.
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Buildings within the Allendale Plantation Historic District.
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The Antonia house, an example of French Creole architecture.
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The old Bank of Addis building.
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A view of the Cinclare Sugar Mill Historic District.
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The historic Hebert House in Brusly.
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The Old Brusly High School Gymnasium.
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The historic Port Allen High School building.
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The Sandbar Plantation House.
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The Smithfield Plantation House.
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Cohn High School, a former listing on the National Register.
