National Historic Landmark District

A National Historic Landmark District (NHLD) is a geographical area that has received recognition from the United States Government that the buildings, landscapes, cultural features and archaeological resources within it are of the highest significance and worthy of preservation.

Boston Post Road Historic District plaque

Characteristics

The boundaries of an NHLD typically include contributing properties that may themselves be listed distinctly as a National Historic Landmark or on the National Register of Historic Places but may also include non-contributing properties. The federal government designates historic districts through the Department of Interior, under the aegis of the National Park Service. Designation has its benefits; for example, architecturally intact districts often become cultural destinations and generate economic benefits for the communities within and around them through heritage tourism.[1] NHLDs often qualify for preservation grant monies but dramatic or negative change to them can impact their integrity and create cause for concern over the loss of NHLD designation.[2] These threats can come from development or climate change as evidenced most recently with the catastrophic damage to the Lahaina NHLD from wildfires.

One of the largest NHLDs is the island of Nantucket, Massachusetts at over 30,000 acres. Some are much smaller like the Cobblestone National Historic Landmark District in New York State which is under one acre.

Distribution by state

Other National Historic Landmark Districts in the US include:

Arizona

California

California has 29 NHLs. Seven of these are NHLDs.[3]

Colorado

Connecticut

Florida

Florida has 47 NHLs. Four of these are NHLDs[5]

Georgia

Indiana

Louisiana

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Missouri

Montana

Nevada

New Jersey

New York

New York has 160 NHLs. There are only 10 that qualify as districts.

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

Texas

Virginia

Hawaii

Hawaii has 6 NHLs and only one NHLD.

  • Lāhainā National Historic Landmark District, Maui, Hawaii. The Lahaina NHLD is significant for its association with the commercialization of the whaling industry in 19th century which led to its annexation by the United States. Architecturally, its buildings retain the imprints left by Hawaiian rulers and missionaries who occupied this former capital area on the west side of the island.[7] Large parts of this district were damaged in the 2023 Hawai'i wildfires.

References
  1. "Lot may threaten landmark district". Battle Creek, Michigan: Battle Creek Enquirer. August 9, 1997. p. 2.
  2. "Public, officials seek answer on rezoning". Battle Creek, Michigan: Battle Creek Enquirer. July 9, 2009. p. 2.
  3. "National Historic Landmarks in California State Parks". California Department of Parks and Recreation. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  4. Jessi White (May 2, 2023). "Staff Brief,2023-COA-135, 1335-1345 Grant Street, Civic Center" (PDF). Denver Community Planning and Development. Retrieved August 29, 2023.
  5. "Tampa's Ybor City named U.S. historic district". South Florida Sun Sentinel. December 21, 1990. p. 14.
  6. "Ste. Genevieve Historical District". The City of Ste. Genevieve. Retrieved August 29, 2023.
  7. "Historic Lahaina". Historic Hawai'i Foundation. Retrieved August 31, 2023.
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