Thanks to the efforts of historic preservation advocates in Illinois, 15 sites in the state were added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) during 2021, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced this week. Among the sites is the Verdurette property in New Boston.
The historic farmstead is significant for its architecture. The main house was built in 1855 by William Drury, an early non-native settler of New Boston, in the Gothic Revival style. The full-width Classical Revival porch was added in the early 20th century. The farmstead includes two barns, a carriage house, summer kitchen, pump house, and a pigeon house. Additionally, Verdurette features an array of historic cast-iron objects, including a fence resembling tree branches, several statues, and a fountain. Presently, the property continues to function as a working farm with other modern farm buildings directly adjacent to the nominated farmstead.
Places are added to the register by the National Park Service based on recommendations from the State Historic Preservation Office, a division of IDNR.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of properties that merit special attention and preservation. Every Illinois county has at least one property or historic district listed in the register. Collectively, they represent a cross section of Illinois’ history from its early settlement to the mid-20th century.
In general, properties must be more than 50 years old to be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. A listing imposes no obligations on private property owners but does make properties eligible for some financial incentives.