The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
Administered by the National Park Service, the National Register of Historic Places is the U.S. government’s official list of districts, landscapes, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed significant in U.S. history. A property that’s considered eligible for inclusion in the National Register has significance to the history of its community, state, or the nation and is considered worthy of preservation.
Why should a battlefield be listed in the National Register?
Listing a battlefield provides formal recognition of its historical significance based on national standards used by all state and Federal agencies. The nomination process requires that a battlefield’s significance be documented, that it be located on the landscape, and that boundaries be drawn to identify the battlefield.
Are there any restrictions, rules, or regulations that apply if a battlefield is listed in the National Register?
As long as there are is no Federal interest attached to the battlefield there are no restrictions, rules, or regulations placed by the Federal government. If there is a Federal interest (generally through Federal licenses, projects or ownership), then any proposed changes to the battlefield must go through a compliance process. In addition, there may be state or local preservation laws that place restrictions on any property listed in the National Register.
Who can nominate a battlefield for listing in the National Register?
Anyone may initiate the nomination process and prepare the necessary forms and documentation.
What is the nomination process?
Once the nomination forms and documentation are completed, they’re sent to the State Historic Preservation Office [SHPO] where the battlefield is located. The SHPO reviews the nomination and either rejects the nomination, asks for more information, lists the battlefield with the state only, or sends the documentation to the National Register of Historic Places for consideration. The National Register will then conduct a similar review process for the battlefield and determine if it is eligible for listing in the National Register.
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For information and publications related to Old Saybrook history, Saybrook Fort, the Pequot War and other local history topics, visit the Frank Stevenson Archives, 350 Main Street, Old Saybrook, open Tuesday and Thursday from 9 – 12 or by appointment.
