Legal Definitions - historic site

A historic site refers to a specific location, such as a building, structure, area, or piece of property, that is officially recognized as having profound importance to the history, architectural heritage, archaeological understanding, or cultural identity of a country, state, or city. For a place to be legally considered a historic site, it must be formally designated through a specific law or regulation. Once designated, these sites are typically protected, meaning that any significant changes, alterations, or demolition usually require prior permission from the appropriate governmental authorities.

• Example 1: Imagine a small, unassuming brick building in a bustling city that served as the headquarters for a pivotal women's suffrage movement in the early 20th century. This building, where key strategies were planned and speeches delivered, could be designated a historic site.

  Explanation: This building qualifies as a historic site because it holds significant historical importance, being directly linked to a major social and political movement that profoundly impacted the nation's history. Its designation would protect it as a tangible reminder of that struggle and achievement.

• Example 2: Consider a meticulously preserved Victorian-era mansion, complete with its original ornate woodwork, stained-glass windows, and a unique turret design, built by a prominent industrialist in the late 1800s. This mansion is a prime example of the architectural style prevalent during that period in the region.

  Explanation: This mansion could be designated a historic site due to its outstanding architectural significance. It showcases a specific historical building style and craftsmanship, making it a valuable part of the city's built heritage that warrants legal protection against inappropriate modifications.

• Example 3: Along a remote riverbank, archaeologists uncover the remains of an ancient village, including pottery shards, tools, and foundations of dwellings, dating back thousands of years to an indigenous civilization. This area provides invaluable insights into the early inhabitants of the region.

  Explanation: This archaeological discovery would be designated a historic site because it possesses immense archaeological and cultural significance. It offers a direct window into the lives, customs, and history of an ancient culture, and its protection ensures that these irreplaceable findings can be preserved and studied for future generations.