The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) is the official list of important historic sites in the United States of America. It is maintained by the National Parks Service (NPS) and its main objective is the preservation of historic sites with significant contributions to American history and heritage. Its broad objectives also include the identification, coordination and protection of historic sites. The sites are named and finally evaluated for inclusion in the list according to a four-step criterion. Sites are assessed based on their importance to the history of the United States, their association with a person of historical importance, their importance in terms of information or probability of doing so in the future and be unique in terms of construction,
10. Union Station – Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles Union Station (LAUS) was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. It was designed in a style combining Art Deco, Mission Revival and Streamline Modern styles. The tiled floor was designed to reproduce the pattern of a Navajo blanket. It is the largest operational train station in the western United States.
9. Plymouth Rock – Plymouth, Massachusetts
Plymouth Rock is a memorial site that marks the pilgrims’ journey on the Mayflower. The granite canopy was designed by the famous architectural firm McKim, Mead and White.
8. Wright Brothers Memorial – Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina
In Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, there is a memorial to the Wright brothers, commemorating the first successful flights. Wilbur and Orville Wright had made the trip from their home in Ohio because they had heard that the situation in North Carolina had steady winds that would benefit them. It was added to the NRHP in 2001.
7. Breakers Mansion – Newport, Rhode Island
The Breakers is a Vanderbilt-style mansion located in Newport, Rhode Island. He has been on the NRHP since 1994.
6. New York City Hall – New York, New York
New York City Hall is the seat of government for New York. Its construction lasted nine years, from 1803 to 1812. It has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1966. It has existed as a backdrop for many famous films, including Ghostbusters. A massive five-year renovation of the building began in 2008.
5. The Old Mill – Little Rock, Arkansas
The Old Mill, officially known as TR Pugh Memorial Park, is a re-creation of an 1880 mill located in North Little Rock, Arkansas. He is most famous for being featured in the classic American film, “Gone With the Wind”. The Old Mill has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2010 and is a popular place for wedding photos today.
4. Register Cliff – Guernsey, Wyoming
Register Cliff is a cliff made of sandstone. It is notable for its inclusion in 19th century guides documenting the Oregon Trail. Many of those who travel on the trail have carved the names of their families into the cliff. It was an indicator for those who were traveling that they were on the right track. It has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1969.
3. Mission San Xavier del Bac – Tucson, Arizona
The San Xavier del Bac mission is a Catholic mission located south of Tucson, Arizona. Founded in 1692, it is a famous pilgrimage site for visitors who arrive on foot and on horseback. It was declared a national historic monument in 1960.
2. Etowah Mounds – Cartersville, Georgia
The Palace of Fine Arts was built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco, California. It was rebuilt in 1965.
1. Washington Monument – Washington, DC
The Washington Monument is an obelisk (a large monument with four sides) located in Washington, DC. It was built to commemorate the first President of the United States, George Washington. It is both the tallest stone structure in the world and the tallest obelisk in the world at 555 feet. The monument is currently closed to visitors until 2019 is modernized.