Lists of locally designated landmarks in the United States facts for kids
Imagine a special building, a cool park, or even an old bridge in your town. These places often have amazing stories! When a city or county government officially says a place is important because of its history, culture, or beauty, it's called a local landmark.
These landmarks are like treasures that help us remember the past and understand how our communities grew. They are protected so that future generations, like you, can also enjoy and learn from them. Different cities and counties across the United States have their own lists of these special places.
Contents
What Are Local Landmarks?
Local landmarks are places that local governments decide are very important to their area. This could be a building where something important happened, a park with a unique design, or even a natural spot that has special meaning.
Why Are They Important?
- History: They teach us about the past, showing us how people lived long ago.
- Culture: They represent the traditions and art of a community.
- Beauty: Many landmarks are beautiful and add to the character of a place.
- Community Pride: They give people a sense of belonging and pride in their hometown.
When a place becomes a local landmark, it often means it can't be torn down or changed too much without special permission. This helps keep these important parts of our history safe.
How Are Landmarks Chosen?
Local governments, like city councils or county boards, usually have a special group or committee. This group looks at places that people think are important. They study the history and meaning of each place. If it meets certain rules, it can be added to the official list of local landmarks.
Landmarks Across the United States
Many states and cities have their own programs to find and protect local landmarks. Here are some examples of places with official lists:
Alabama
Alabama has its own statewide list called the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage. This register helps protect important places all over the state.
Arizona
Arizona has many cities and towns that keep lists of their historic properties. For example, cities like Phoenix, Tucson, and Flagstaff all have their own special landmarks.
California
California is a big state with many historic places. Lots of its cities have their own landmark lists:
- Bakersfield: Has a register of historic places.
- Los Angeles: Has many "Historic-Cultural Monuments" spread across different parts of the city, like Hollywood and Downtown.
- San Francisco: Keeps a list of its own designated landmarks.
- San Diego: Also has a list of historic landmarks, including special ones in areas like La Jolla.
Colorado
The city of Denver in Colorado has its own list of important landmarks.
Florida
Sarasota, Florida, has a list of its historic sites.
Georgia
The city of Atlanta has designated many historic buildings and districts.
Illinois
Illinois cities are very active in protecting their history:
- Chicago: Has a famous list of Chicago Landmarks.
- Champaign, Danville, Edwardsville, Normal, Peoria, Rockford, Springfield, and Urbana: All have their own local landmark lists.
Iowa
Davenport, Iowa, keeps a register of its historic properties.
Maryland
Baltimore City has its own list of important landmarks.
Massachusetts
Framingham, Massachusetts, has historic places that are recognized locally.
Michigan
Michigan has a statewide list called List of Michigan State Historic Sites.
Minnesota
Minneapolis has a list of its officially designated landmarks.
Missouri
St. Louis, Missouri, has a list of its special landmarks.
Nebraska
Omaha, Nebraska, has its own list of landmarks.
Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada, has a list of its landmarks.
New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico, has a list of its historic landmarks.
New York
New York City has a very well-known list of New York City Landmarks. The Town of Oyster Bay also has its own landmarks.
Ohio
Cincinnati and Columbus both have registers of their historic properties and landmarks.
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia has a large Register of Historic Places. Pittsburgh also has its own historic designations.
Texas
Dallas, Texas, has a list of its own landmarks.
Washington
King County and the city of Seattle both have lists of their landmarks.
Washington D.C.
The nation's capital has its own District of Columbia Inventory of Historic Sites.
Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has a list of its landmarks.
Other Important Designations
Besides local landmarks, there are other ways important places are recognized:
Federal Designations
The United States government also has ways to protect important places:
- National Register of Historic Places: This is a big list of places important to the history of the entire country.
- National Historic Landmarks: These are places that are extra special and important to the whole nation.
- National Natural Landmark: These are special natural areas.
State Registries
Many states have their own lists, similar to the Alabama Register mentioned earlier. These lists help protect places that are important to the state's history. Examples include:
- California Historical Landmarks
- Hawaiʻi Register of Historic Places
- New Jersey Register of Historic Places
- Virginia Historic Landmark
These local, state, and national designations all work together to make sure that the important places that tell our country's story are preserved for everyone to enjoy.
