National Register

The National Register of Historic Places is America’s listing of historic properties worthy of preservation, including buildings, sites, districts, structures and objects. Properties are listed for their significance in American history, architecture, archeology and culture. Places can be designated for local, statewide or national significance.

The National Register was authorized under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and is administered by the National Park Service.

Benefits of listing

While National Register listing does not guarantee protection against demolition, it does provide recognition of significance and eligibility for tax benefits.

Protection of listed places also must be considered in federally funded projects through the Section 106 Environmental Review mechanism.

Nominating places

Nominations for listing are submitted by the state historic preservation office (HPO) after successful completion and approval of both a Study List application and National Register nomination. The HPO uses the Study List as a preliminary step in the review of potential nominations to the National Register.

All properties must have nominations, often prepared by qualified consultants. These are submitted to the HPO and must be approved by the state’s National Register Advisory Committee before being sent to the National Park Service for final approval.

National Register and local designation

National Register listing should not be confused with local historic property and historic district designations. Local governments make these listings on the recommendation of their local historic preservation commissions. The local designation program is enabled under North Carolina law. Properties and districts listed in the National Register may also receive local designation, but there is no direct correlation between the two.

Find out more

North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office: The National Register of Historic Places in North Carolina

NC HPO National Register Information Sheets

# 1: What is the National Register of Historic Places?
# 2: National Register Criteria for Evaluation
# 3: How Historic Properties are Listed in the National Register of Historic Places
# 4: The National Register of Historic Places in North Carolina: Facts and Figures
# 5: Procedure for Supporting or Objecting to National Register Listing

National Park Service: National Register of Historic Places

National Register Properties in North Carolina