National Historic Landmarks are nationally significant historic places designated by the Secretary of the Interior because they possess exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States. Today, fewer than 2,500 historic places bear this national distinction. Working with citizens throughout the nation, the National Historic Landmarks Program draws upon the expertise of National Park Service staff who work to nominate new landmarks and provide assistance to existing landmarks. A friends group of owners and managers, the National Historic Landmark Stewards Association, also works to preserve, protect and promote National Historic Landmarks.
In 1988, the NHL formally commenced a National Historic Landmarks Theme
Study, "The Maritime Heritage of the United States." NHL theme studies are
designed to assess a number of properties dealing with a field of American
culture, using the National Historic Landmarks criteria for evaluation.
Completed theme studies include fireboats, lightships,
schooners and warships associated with World War II in the Pacific. Recently
completed is a theme study on the oystering industry in the United States.
Over 200 properties related to the maritime history of the United States
are currently listed as National Historic Landmarks. These include vessels,
light stations, life-saving stations, World War II sites, canals, homes
of famous individuals, marine hospitals, drydocks, canneries, port towns
and more. These maritime landmarks can be accesed by clicking on the themes
listed above. Please note, some listings feature the National Historic Landmark
description and statement of significance while others provide only the
resource name, location, historic dates and designation date; additionally
some listing include the complete nomination in .pdf format. For information
on viewing .pdf files please click here. |
