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National Register of Historic Places listings in York County, Pennsylvania facts for kids

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Map of Pennsylvania highlighting York County
A map showing where York County is located in Pennsylvania.

Have you ever wondered about the oldest and most special places in your community? In York County, Pennsylvania, there's a list of nearly 100 amazing buildings, bridges, and areas that are super important to history. These places are officially recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are protected and celebrated for their unique stories and how they shaped the past.

The National Register of Historic Places is like a special club for historic sites across the United States. When a place is added to this list, it's a big deal! It helps people learn about history and makes sure these cool spots are preserved for future generations, like you. York County is home to 98 of these special properties and districts. Let's explore some of them!


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 this list means a place is important for its history, architecture, or even what it tells us about how people lived long ago. It's a way to honor and protect the buildings, sites, and objects that tell America's story.

Cool Historic Spots in York County

York County has many different types of historic places. From old mills and farmhouses to bridges and entire neighborhoods, each one has a unique tale.

Historic Homes and Buildings

Many homes and buildings in York County have been around for a long time and have interesting pasts.

Ashley and Bailey Company Silk Mill

The Ashley and Bailey Company Silk Mill in West York was once a busy factory where silk was made. It was added to the list in 1991. Today, this old mill has been turned into apartments, giving new life to a historic building.

Ashley and Bailey Company Silk Mill
The Ashley and Bailey Company Silk Mill, now an apartment building.

Billmeyer House

The Billmeyer House in York is a very old house on East Market Street. It was recognized in 1970. Imagine the stories these walls could tell from over 250 years ago!

Billmeyer House
The historic Billmeyer House in York.

Cookes House

Also in York, the Cookes House is another old home, listed in 1972. It's located on Cookes House Lane. These old houses help us see what life was like centuries ago.

Cookes House
The Cookes House, a historic home in York.

Dill's Tavern

In Dillsburg, you can find Dill's Tavern. This building, listed in 2004, was once a tavern, a place where travelers could stop for a meal and a place to sleep. It's a great example of early American hospitality.

Dills Tavern from Baltimore St Dillsburg PA
Dill's Tavern, a historic stop for travelers.

Emig Mansion

The Emig Mansion in Manchester Township was added to the list in 1984. It's a beautiful old home in Emigsville that shows us the grand style of homes from the past.

Emig House 1 YorkCo PA
The Emig Mansion, a grand historic home.

Indian Steps Cabin

North of Airville, in Lower Chanceford Township, is the unique Indian Steps Cabin. Listed in 1990, this cabin is known for its interesting design and connection to local history.

Indian Steps Cabin, Front with walkway
The unique Indian Steps Cabin.

Wallace-Cross Mill

South of Felton, in East Hopewell Township, stands the Wallace-Cross Mill. This old mill, listed in 1977, reminds us of a time when mills were essential for grinding grain and making flour.

Wallace Cross Mill with Miller's House in Background
The Wallace-Cross Mill, an important part of local history.

Historic Bridges and Railways

York County also has many old bridges and parts of railway lines that are important to its history.

Northern Central Railway Bridges

Several bridges along the Northern Central Railway are listed, like Bridge 182+42 near Glen Rock and Bridge 5+92 near Seven Valleys. These bridges, listed in 1995, were vital for trains carrying goods and people long ago. The Howard Tunnel, also on the Northern Central Railway, is another cool spot listed in 1995. It's a tunnel that trains used to pass through!

Bridge 182+42, Northern Central Railway, Shrewsbury Twp., PA, Near Town Of Railroad
Bridge 182+42 on the Northern Central Railway.
7 Valleys PA RR bridge from S
Bridge 5+92 near Seven Valleys.
Heritage Railroad Trail County Park Howard Tunnel
The Howard Tunnel, a historic railway tunnel.

Stewartstown Railroad Bridges and Stations

The Stewartstown Railroad also has several historic bridges, like the Deer Creek Bridge and the Ridge Road Bridge, both listed in 1995. The Shrewsbury Railroad Station and the Stewartstown Railroad Station are also on the list, showing how important trains were for travel and trade.

Ridge Road Bridge, Stewartstown Railroad, Hopewell Twp PA
The Ridge Road Bridge on the Stewartstown Railroad.
Shrewsbury Railroad Station, Stewartstown Railroad, PA
The Shrewsbury Railroad Station.
Stewartstown PA RR Station
The Stewartstown Railroad Station.

Columbia–Wrightsville Bridge

The Columbia–Wrightsville Bridge is a very long bridge over the Susquehanna River near Wrightsville. Listed in 1988, this bridge connects York County to Lancaster County and has a fascinating history.

Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge
The Columbia–Wrightsville Bridge over the Susquehanna River.

Historic Districts

Sometimes, it's not just one building that's historic, but a whole area! These are called historic districts.

Delta Historic District

The Delta Historic District in Delta was listed in 1983. This area includes many historic buildings along Main Street, giving you a feel for what the town looked like in the past.

Delta PA HD Rehoboth Welsh Chapel
A building in the Delta Historic District.

Hanover Historic District

The Hanover Historic District in Hanover was recognized in 1997. This large area includes many historic buildings and streets, showing the development of this important town.

Hanover Theater Hanover PA Mar 11
The Hanover Theater, part of the Hanover Historic District.

York Historic District

The York Historic District in York is a big area that was listed in 1979. It includes many important buildings and streets in the heart of the city, showing its rich history.

House on Penn Common York PA
A historic house in the York Historic District.

Why are these places important?

These historic places are like clues to the past. They help us understand:

  • How people lived: From old farmhouses to busy factories, they show us how people worked, lived, and played.
  • Important events: Some places were part of big moments in history, like the American Revolution or the growth of industries.
  • Cool architecture: Many buildings have unique designs that show how architecture changed over time.
  • Community pride: Protecting these places helps communities remember their roots and feel proud of their heritage.

By learning about these sites, you can connect with the history of York County and understand the stories that shaped the area we live in today!

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National Register of Historic Places listings in York County, Pennsylvania Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.