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National Register of Historic Places listings in Wichita County, Texas facts for kids

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Map of Texas highlighting Wichita County
Location of Wichita County in Texas

Have you ever wondered about the oldest and most special buildings in your area? In Wichita County, Texas, there's a list of places that are super important because of their history. This list is called the National Register of Historic Places. It's like a special club for buildings, bridges, and areas that tell amazing stories about the past.

This article shares a complete list of these special properties and areas in Wichita County. There are two historic districts and nine individual properties on this list. Some of these places are also recognized by the Texas Historical Commission as "State Antiquities Landmarks" or "Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks," which means they are extra important to Texas history.

What is the National Register of Historic Places?

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the United States' historic places worth saving. It's managed by the National Park Service. When a place is added to this list, it means it's important to local, state, or national history.

Why are places listed?

Places are listed for many reasons. They might be:

  • Very old and well-preserved.
  • Connected to important events in history.
  • Designed by famous architects.
  • Homes of important people.
  • Places where significant things happened.

Being on the National Register helps protect these places and makes people more aware of their value.

Exploring Wichita County's Historic Sites

Wichita County has several fascinating places on the National Register. These sites include old homes, a bridge, and even entire neighborhoods! Each one has a unique story to tell about the county's past.

Historic Buildings and Structures

  • Beaver Creek Bridge: This old bridge near Electra is a great example of early bridge building. It helps us understand how people traveled and built things a long time ago.
  • William Benjamin Hamilton House: Located in Wichita Falls, this house is a beautiful example of older homes in the area. It shows us how people lived and built their houses many years ago.
  • Hodges-Hardy-Chambers House: Another historic home in Wichita Falls, this house also gives us a peek into the past. It's a reminder of the families who helped build the community.
  • Frank Kell House: This grand home in Wichita Falls was built in 1909. It belonged to Frank Kell, who was one of the important people who helped start Wichita Falls. The house is built in a style called Neoclassical Revival, which means it looks back to ancient Greek and Roman designs.
  • Joe and Lois Perkins House: This house in Wichita Falls is also recognized for its historical importance. It represents a part of the city's growth and development.
  • Weeks House: Another historic home in Wichita Falls, the Weeks House adds to the list of important buildings that show the architectural styles and history of the area.
  • Wichita Falls Route Building: This building in Wichita Falls is important because of its role in the city's history. It likely played a part in transportation or business in the past.

Historic Districts

Sometimes, not just one building, but a whole area is considered historic. These are called "historic districts."

  • Depot Square Historic District: This area in Wichita Falls is special because it includes many buildings around the old train tracks. It shows what the city's downtown looked like when trains were a main way to travel and transport goods.
  • Morningside Historic District: This district in Wichita Falls is a neighborhood with many historic homes. Walking through it is like taking a step back in time to see how people lived and what their neighborhoods looked like decades ago.

These places help us remember and learn about the people and events that shaped Wichita County. They are important parts of our shared history!

Name on the Register Image Date listed Location City or town Description
1 Beaver Creek Bridge
Beaver Creek Bridge
October 10, 1996
(#96001104)
FM 2326, 1 mi (1.6 km) W of jct. with TX 25
33°54′21″N 98°54′17″W / 33.905833°N 98.904722°W / 33.905833; -98.904722 (Beaver Creek Bridge)
Electra
2 Depot Square Historic District
Depot Square Historic District
February 4, 2004
(#03001552)
Roughly bounded by 8th St., Indiana St., 5th St. and MKT Railroad tracks
33°54′58″N 98°29′26″W / 33.916111°N 98.490556°W / 33.916111; -98.490556 (Depot Square Historic District)
Wichita Falls
3 William Benjamin Hamilton House
William Benjamin Hamilton House
October 28, 1983
(#83003826)
1106 Brook Ave.
33°54′02″N 98°30′13″W / 33.900556°N 98.503611°W / 33.900556; -98.503611 (William Benjamin Hamilton House)
Wichita Falls
4 Hodges-Hardy-Chambers House
Hodges-Hardy-Chambers House
May 2, 1985
(#85000925)
1100 Travis St.
33°54′26″N 98°28′12″W / 33.907222°N 98.47°W / 33.907222; -98.47 (Hodges-Hardy-Chambers House)
Wichita Falls
5 Frank Kell House
Frank Kell House
November 28, 1978
(#78003378)
900 Bluff St.
33°54′27″N 98°29′49″W / 33.9075°N 98.496944°W / 33.9075; -98.496944 (Frank Kell House)
Wichita Falls 1909 Neoclassical Revival-style home of Frank Kell, one of Wichita Falls' founding fathers
6 Morningside Historic District
Morningside Historic District
May 16, 1985
(#85001122)
Roughly bounded by 9th St., Morningside Dr., Pembroke Lane and Buchanan St.
33°54′21″N 98°31′23″W / 33.905833°N 98.523056°W / 33.905833; -98.523056 (Morningside Historic District)
Wichita Falls
7 Joe and Lois Perkins House
Joe and Lois Perkins House
June 8, 2015
(#15000339)
3301 Harrison Street
33°52′44″N 98°30′45″W / 33.879007°N 98.512541°W / 33.879007; -98.512541 (Joe and Lois Perkins House)
Wichita Falls
8 Weeks House
December 3, 1980
(#80004158)
2112 Kell Boulevard
33°53′29″N 98°30′47″W / 33.891438°N 98.513179°W / 33.891438; -98.513179 (Weeks House)
Wichita Falls
9 Wichita Falls Route Building
Wichita Falls Route Building
November 29, 1978
(#78002999)
503 8th St.
33°54′48″N 98°29′20″W / 33.913403°N 98.488889°W / 33.913403; -98.488889 (Wichita Falls Route Building)
Wichita Falls
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National Register of Historic Places listings in Wichita County, Texas Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.