National Register of Historic Places listings in White County, Tennessee facts for kids
Welcome to White County, Tennessee! This page is all about special places in the county that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Think of this register as a super important list of buildings, sites, and objects across the United States that are worth saving because of their history, architecture, or what they mean to a community.
In White County, there are 12 places on this list. These places help us learn about the past and understand how people lived long ago. Some of them are old buildings, some are ancient sites, and others are important parts of how the area developed. Let's explore some of these amazing historic spots!
Contents
Historic Places in White County
Ancient Sites and Early History
Some of the oldest places on the list tell us about the people who lived here thousands of years ago.
Cherry Creek Mound
The Cherry Creek Mound is an ancient site near Key. It was added to the National Register in 1978. This mound is a reminder of the Native American communities that once thrived in this area. It helps archaeologists learn about their cultures and way of life.
Indian Cave Petroglyphs
Near Onward, you can find the Indian Cave Petroglyphs. These are ancient carvings made on rocks, likely by Native Americans. They were listed in 1978. Petroglyphs are like old drawings or messages left behind, giving us clues about the beliefs and stories of early inhabitants.
Important Buildings in Sparta
Many of White County's historic places are found in the city of Sparta. These buildings show how the town grew and changed over time.
Community Building (Liberty Hall)
The Community Building in Sparta, located at 5 West Maple Street, was added to the register in 2002. Today, it's known as "Liberty Hall" and is home to an American Legion group. This building has been a central spot for community events and gatherings for many years.
Sparta Electric Building
The Sparta Electric Building on South Main Street was listed in 1993. This building played a role in bringing electricity to the town. It stands at the corner of South Main and Young streets.
Sparta Residential Historic District
The Sparta Residential Historic District is a special area in Sparta. It includes many old homes roughly bounded by North Main, College, Everett, and Church Streets. This district was added to the register in 1991. It's important because it shows the different styles of homes built in Sparta over the years and helps preserve the town's historic look and feel.
Sperry-Smith House
The Sperry-Smith House at 121 East Maple Street in Sparta was listed in 1996. This house is a great example of historic architecture in the area. It helps us see how homes were designed and built in the past.
Railroad and Transportation History
Railroads were super important for connecting towns and moving goods. White County has a few sites that tell this story.
Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis Railway Section House
The Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis Railway Section House is located at 9479 Crossville Highway in DeRossett. It was listed in 2011. This building was once a "section house," where railroad workers lived or worked to maintain the tracks. Today, it's home to the Bon Air Historical Society Museum, teaching visitors about local history and the railroad.
Sparta Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis Railroad Depot
The Sparta Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis Railroad Depot is the old train station in Sparta. It's located at the junction of Depot and Clark Streets and was listed in 1992. Train depots were busy places where people traveled and goods were shipped. This depot reminds us of a time when trains were a main way to get around.
Sparta Rock House
The Sparta Rock House is about 3 miles east of Sparta on U.S. Route 70. It was listed in 1973. This building was a toll house and a stop for stagecoaches in the mid-1800s. It's now a state historic site, showing us what travel was like before cars and modern roads.
Power and Industry
White County also has historic sites related to how electricity was made and how people worked in industries.
Great Falls Hydroelectric Station
The Great Falls Hydroelectric Station is off U.S. Route 70 on the Caney Fork River. It was listed in 1990. This station uses the power of water to create electricity, which is called hydroelectric power. It's an important part of the region's energy history and even extends into Warren County.
Ravencroft Mine
The Ravencroft Mine is located on Glade Creek Road near Sparta. It was added to the register in 2015. Mines are important for understanding the industrial history of an area, showing what resources were found and how they were extracted.
Sparta Hydroelectric Station
Another power station, the Sparta Hydroelectric Station, is on State Route 111 at the Calfkiller River. It was listed in 1990. Like Great Falls, this station also played a role in providing power to the community.
Former Listings
Sometimes, a historic place might be removed from the National Register. This can happen if the building is changed too much, or if it is destroyed.
Jessee Lincoln House
The Jessee Lincoln House was once listed in 1973 but was later delisted. It was located west of Sparta on TN 26.
Oldham Theater
The Oldham Theater on West Liberty Square in Sparta was listed in 1993 but delisted in 2003. It was a local theater, a place where people went to watch movies or shows.
