A historic structure encompasses buildings, bridges, mines, canals, ships, highways, and more, recognized for their importance during a significant era. This designation, bestowed by the National Register of Historic Places, serves not just to categorize, but also to protect these cultural monuments from obliteration.
Key Insights
- A historic structure is a sub-category of historic properties, officially recognized by the National Register of Historic Places.
- Over 2,600 national historic landmarks span the United States, preserving a range of architectures and infrastructures.
- The designation applies to various forms of structures, distinct from traditional human shelters.
- To be listed, a structure has to satisfy at least one of the four National Register criteria, ensuring cultural relevance and historical significance.
Unraveling Historic Structures
Historic structures often boast unique architectural styles, political importance, or both. Dense areas of such structures may achieve ‘historic district’ status, where property owners face guidelines for upkeep and modifications. Financial incentives, including grants or tax credits, can aid the restoration of neglected historic structures. Each designation hinges on detailed petitions reviewed by the State Historic Preservation Office and ultimately submitted to the National Park Service.
Legendary Landmarks
2,600+ - That’s the number of designated National Historic Landmarks across the United States, a testament to the country’s commitment to preserving its rich heritage.
Criteria for Historic Structure Designation
Understanding the exacting standards of the National Register can illuminate why a structure attains historic status. A structure is deemed historic under the following criteria:
- Historical Events: It is linked to events that have significantly impacted history.
- Significant Individuals: It is associated with the lives of persons who played a notable part in the past.
- Architectural Mastery: It embodies distinctive architectural characteristics, represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values.
- Historical Information: It has the potential to yield important historical or prehistoric information.
A structure only needs to meet one of these criteria for formal recognition by the National Register. The essence of this process is to preserve structures with genuine cultural and historical importance from inappropriate designation and ensure meaningful conservation.
Related Terms: National Historic Landmarks, State Historic Preservation Office, historic districts, tax credits for restoration
References
- National Park Service. “How to List a Property”.
- National Park Service. “FAQs”.
- Internal Revenue Service. “Tax Aspects of the Historic Preservation Tax Incentives - FAQs”.
- National Park Service. “National Register Bulletin”, Page 3.
- National Park Service. “National Historic Landmarks Program”.
- National Park Service. “National Register Bulletin”, Page 2.
