National Register of Historic Places listings in Wood County, Ohio facts for kids
Wood County, Ohio, is home to many special places that are officially recognized for their history. These places are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Think of it like a special list of important buildings, areas, and sites across the United States that tell us about the past. By being on this list, these places are protected and celebrated for their unique stories.
In Wood County, there are 33 different places on this list. One of them is even more special and is called a National Historic Landmark. This means it's super important to the history of the entire country! Let's explore some of these amazing historic spots.
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 part of a program by the United States government. Its goal is to help people understand and protect important historical and archaeological sites.
Why are places listed?
Places get listed because they are important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. They might be where a big event happened, where an important person lived, or they might show a special way of building things. When a place is listed, it helps people appreciate its history. It also helps protect it from being changed or destroyed.
National Historic Landmarks
A National Historic Landmark is a place that is extra special. It's recognized for its outstanding importance to the history of the United States. Wood County has one of these very important sites.
Historic Districts
Sometimes, it's not just one building that's important, but a whole area. These areas are called Historic Districts. They have many buildings that together tell a story about a community's past. Wood County has several of these districts.
Exploring Wood County's Historic Treasures
Wood County has a rich history, and its listed places show many different parts of that past. From old forts to grand houses and town halls, each site has a story to tell.
Fort Meigs: A National Historic Landmark
Fort Meigs is the most important historic site in Wood County. It's a National Historic Landmark because of its role in the War of 1812. This fort was built in 1813 by American soldiers. They defended it against attacks from British and Native American forces. Today, you can visit the fort and learn about what life was like for soldiers back then. It's a great place to imagine history coming alive.
Historic Districts to Discover
Several areas in Wood County are recognized as Historic Districts. These places let you see how towns grew and changed over time.
Boom Town Historic District
In Bowling Green, the Boom Town Historic District shows how the city grew quickly. This happened when oil was discovered nearby. The buildings in this area tell the story of that exciting time.
East River Road Historic Districts
Along East River Road, near Perrysburg, there are two historic districts. These areas have beautiful old homes. They show how people lived along the Maumee River a long time ago.
Perrysburg Historic District
The heart of Perrysburg itself is a large historic district. It includes Front Street and other nearby streets. Walking through this area is like stepping back in time. You can see many well-preserved buildings from different periods.
Eagle Point Colony Historic District
In Rossford, the Eagle Point Colony Historic District is a unique neighborhood. It was planned out with special roads and green spaces. It shows a different way of designing communities in the past.
Notable Buildings and Sites
Beyond the districts, many individual buildings and sites in Wood County are also listed.
Old Wood County Jail
The Old Wood County Jail in Perrysburg is a fascinating building. It was built a long time ago and served as the county's jail. It's a reminder of how justice was handled in earlier times.
Wood County Courthouse and Jail
In Bowling Green, the Wood County Courthouse and Jail is another important site. This grand building is where many important decisions for the county have been made. Its architecture is quite impressive.
Floral Hall in Bowling Green
Floral Hall is located in City Park in Bowling Green. This building has a unique design. It was likely used for fairs or community events. It adds to the charm of the park.
Interurban Bridge
The Interurban Bridge is a historic bridge over the Maumee River. It was once used by electric trains called "interurbans." These trains connected towns before cars became common. This bridge is a great example of old engineering.
Town Halls and Post Offices
Several town halls and post offices are also on the list. These buildings were central to community life. They show how people gathered and communicated in the past. For example, the North Baltimore Town Hall was once a key building, though it was sadly destroyed in 1985. The U.S. Post Office in Bowling Green is another example of a historic public building.
Historic Homes
Many old homes are also listed, like the Heeter-Russo House and the Hood-Simmons House. These houses give us a peek into the daily lives of families from long ago. They often have special architectural details.
Images for kids
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Wooster Street in the Boom Town Historic District
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The Dodge Site
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Gateway to the Eagle Point Colony Historic District
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A view from East River Road Historic District I
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A building in East River Road Historic District II
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The Empire House
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Floral Hall
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Edward Ford Plate Glass Company Employee Relations Building
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Guides at Fort Meigs
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Another view of Fort Meigs
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The William Graham House
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The Heeter-Russo House
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The Hood-Simmons House
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The R.A. Housley House
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The Indian Hills Site
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The Interurban Bridge, seen from Farnsworth Metropark
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The Benjamin F. Kerr House
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The MacNichol Site
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Main Street Historic District in Bowling Green
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The North Baltimore Town Hall (destroyed in 1985)
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The Old Wood County Jail
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Louisiana Avenue in the Perrysburg Historic District
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The Perrysburg Water Maintenance Building
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The Schaller Memorial Building
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The Edwin H. Simmons House
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The Spafford House
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The Thurston Building
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The Grand Rapids Town Hall
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The former U.S. Post Office in Bowling Green
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The Wood County Courthouse and Jail
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The Wood County Home and Infirmary
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The John J. Yeager House
