National Register of Historic Places listings in Worcester County, Massachusetts facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about the cool, old places in Worcester County, Massachusetts? This page is all about the amazing historic spots listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in Worcester County. Think of the NRHP as a special list of buildings, areas, and objects that are super important to American history, architecture, or culture. When a place is on this list, it means it's worth protecting and remembering for future generations.
You can even see many of these historic places on a map if their exact location (latitude and longitude) is shared!
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Worcester County's Historic Treasures
Worcester County is huge, and it's packed with history! Many cities and towns here have so many historic sites that they have their own special lists. Let's explore some of them:
Cities and Towns with Many Historic Sites
Some places in Worcester County are so rich in history that they have their own detailed lists of historic sites. Here's a quick look:
| Community | Image | First Listed | Last Listed | Number of Sites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Worcester County |  |
1970 | 2016 | 68 |
| Southbridge |  |
1979 | 1989 | 83 |
| Uxbridge |  |
1971 | 1984 | 53 |
| Eastern Worcester |  |
1971 | 2007 | 97 |
| Northwestern Worcester |  |
1968 | 2011 | 102 |
| Southwestern Worcester |  |
1980 | 2011 | 80 |
Cool Historic Places in Other Towns
Beyond those big lists, many other towns in central and southern Worcester County have amazing places on the National Register. Here are just a few examples of the diverse history you can find:
- 1767 Milestones: Imagine traveling way back in 1767! These special markers were placed along the old Upper Boston Post Road between Boston and Springfield. They helped travelers know how far they had gone. You can still find them in towns like Brookfield, Shrewsbury, and West Brookfield.
- Nathan C. Aldrich House and Resthaven Chapel in Mendon: This historic house and chapel were added to the list in 2006.
- Ethan Allen House and Gun Shop in Grafton: This building, listed in 1995, was once home to Ethan Allen, a famous American patriot and military leader during the American Revolution. He was known for leading the "Green Mountain Boys."
- Bancroft Memorial Library in Hopedale: This beautiful library, listed in 1999, is a key part of Hopedale's history.
- Clara Barton Homestead in Oxford: This is the birthplace of Clara Barton, who founded the American Red Cross! She was a nurse and humanitarian who helped people during wars and disasters. This important home was listed in 1977.
- Bigelow Carpet Company Woolen Mills in Clinton: Clinton was once a major center for carpet making. These mills, listed in 1983 and 1978, show the area's industrial past.
- Blackstone Canal Historic District: This district covers parts of the old Blackstone Canal that ran from Blackstone to Worcester, Massachusetts. Canals were like superhighways for boats before trains and trucks, helping move goods and people. This district was first listed in 1973 and expanded in 1995.
- Goddard Rocket Launching Site in Auburn: This is a super cool spot! It's where Robert H. Goddard, often called the "Father of Modern Rocketry," launched the world's first liquid-fueled rocket in 1926. It's a National Historic Landmark, meaning it's extra special!
- John B. Gough House in Boylston: This was the home of John B. Gough, a famous speaker who campaigned against alcohol in the 1800s. It's also a National Historic Landmark.
- Hassanamisco Reservation in Grafton: This is a historic reservation for the Nipmuc Native American tribe, listed in 2011. It's an important place for understanding the history and culture of indigenous people in Massachusetts.
- Old Stone Church in West Boylston: This church, listed in 1973, is a striking landmark. It's known for its unique location, partially submerged in the Wachusett Reservoir, making it a popular spot for photos and history buffs.
- General Rufus Putnam House in Rutland: This house belonged to Rufus Putnam, a general during the American Revolution and a pioneer who helped settle the Ohio Valley. It's another National Historic Landmark, listed in 1972.
- Wachusett Dam Historic District in Clinton: The Wachusett Dam, built in the early 1900s, created the Wachusett Reservoir, a major water source for Boston. This district, listed in 1990, shows the amazing engineering of that time.
- Gen. Artemas Ward Homestead in Shrewsbury: This was the home of Artemas Ward, another important general during the American Revolution. It was listed in 1976.
- Willard House and Clock Museum in Grafton: This museum, listed in 1982, celebrates the Willard family, who were famous clockmakers in the 18th and 19th centuries.
These are just a few of the many fascinating places that tell the story of Worcester County and its role in American history!
Images for kids
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Northborough Town Hall.jpg
The former Northborough Town Hall, which was unfortunately destroyed by fire in 1985.
