A melting pot of peoples, cultures, and landscapes, America is known for its diversity in all walks of life. The nation’s historical sites reflect that diversity, and unfortunately, not all landmarks stay around forever. The National Trust for Historic Preservation aims to change that with its annual ranking of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. The list spotlights significant locales that are facing the risk of destruction or irreparable damage. Luckily, since its inception in 1988, the list has proven effective at saving these irreplaceable sites. The Trust just released this year’s list and while some of the spots on the lineup might come as a surprise, others aren’t as shocking.
“The places on this list come in all forms, from individual residences to entire neighborhoods, and are located across the country from small communities to urban streetcorners and rural landscapes,” explains Jay Clemens, interim president and CEO of the National Trust.
Here are the top 11 most endangered historical places of 2023:
- Osterman Gas Station - Peach Springs, Arizona
- Little Santo Domingo - Miami, Florida
- Pierce Chapel African Cemetery - Midland, Georgia
- Century and Consumers Buildings - Chicago, Illinois
- West Bank of St. John the Baptist Parish - Louisiana
- Holy Aid and Comfort Spiritual Church (aka Perserverence Benevolent and Mutual Aid Society Hill) - New Orleans, Louisiana
- L.V. Hull Home and Studio - Kosciusko, Mississippi
- Henry Ossawa Tanner House - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia Chinatown - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Charleston’s Historic District - Charleston, South Carolina
- Seattle Chinatown-International District - Seattle, Washington
Clemens further adds, “the diversity of sites on the 2023 list—and the stories behind them—reflect the complexities and challenges that have always been part of what it means to be American but have not always received the attention they deserve. Losing any of them would diminish us all.”
To learn more about the history of these locations, or to find out ways to help the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s efforts, visit SavingPlaces.org/11Most.