The National Register of Historic Places is an official listing of properties throughout the country that reflect the prehistoric occupation and historic development of our nation, states, and local communities. The Register is maintained by the National Park Service under the Secretary of the Interior. It is used primarily as a planning tool in making decisions concerning the development of our communities to ensure, as much as possible, the preservation of buildings, sites, structures, and objects that are significant aspects of our cultural and historic heritage. Sometimes there are misunderstandings as to what listing in the National Register will mean for a property owner. The following is an outline of what it will do and what it will not do.
Most properties are significant because of their local significance.
The National Register identifies the properties that local, state, and federal planners should carefully consider when developing projects. Projects involving federal funding, permitting, licensing, or assistance and that may result in damage or loss of the historic values of a property that is listed in the National Register or is eligible for listing are reviewed by the State Historic Preservation Office and the federal Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. A similar review takes place under state law for state or state-assisted undertakings. A typical example of projects that are given such review is road construction or improvement. Listing may make a property eligible for a Federal Income Tax Credit .