I. INTRODUCTION

National Register of Historic Places documentation serves a purpose far beyond simply explaining the significance of a particular building, site, structure, object, or district. Once the property is listed in the National Register, the nomination becomes a public record. The National Register distributes, on request, copies of nominations to scholars, students, planners, genealogists, historical societies, journalists, and others wishing information about the history of their home or area. In addition, many individuals visit the National Register offices to do research in the files. In this way, the registration documentation becomes an important tool in preservation planning, research, education, and interpretation; aids in recognizing historic resource trends at the local, State, and National levels; and provides an understanding of what Americans consider important in our heritage.