Sangamon Sun

From a farmhouse to a church inspiring Gospel music, 25 historically significant sites throughout Illinois were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2016 thanks to the Springfield-based Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (IHPA).

The Prairie State operates numerous historic sites, museums and monuments where visitors can learn in depth about the sources of Illinois sagas. The National Park Service, which makes the designations based on state agency recommendations nationwide, made additions to the roster based on IHPA’s recommendations.

A vintage building — the Marquette Apartments — on Peoria’s Main Street made the cut, according to Peoria Public Radio; along with a farmhouse designed by Frank Lloyd Wright; Chicago’s Central Manufacturing District; and the city’s Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, which was instrumental in the history of Gospel music.

Newly named properties also include Aurora’s Ford House, Big Woods School and the Middle Avenue historic district; Yorkville’s Bristol Congregational Church; Plato Center’s Muirhead House; Potter and Barker Grain Elevator in La Fox; Sloan House in Elmhurst; Van Hagen House in Barrington Hills; Freeport City Hall; and Belleville’s Turkey Hill Grange Hall.

Many more downtown edifices, churches, schools, entire districts and even bridges were included.

“Each of these sites tells a unique story that is a part of the rich fabric of Illinois history,” IHPA Director Heidi Brown-McCreery told Carmi-based WRUL (97.3) news. “We are proud to work with local preservationists to obtain national recognition for these historic buildings and neighborhoods.”

In addition to Illinois’ 25 new locations, designations were expanded for two existing sites, WRUL sources said: the Central Springfield Historic District and the Garfield Farmstead and Tavern in the Kane County village of Campton Hills.

Established by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places is a federal program organizing and promoting efforts to pinpoint and protect America's historical and archeological resources.