The Evolution of Historical Building Preservation in the United States

The preservation of historical buildings in the United States has a rich history, evolving over several centuries. This trend did not abruptly begin but rather developed through various stages, starting as early as the mid-19th century.

Early Beginnings in the Mid-19th Century

While the preservation movement in the United States began as early as the mid-19th century with the preservation of Washington's Headquarters in Newburgh, New York (1850) and George Washington's Mount Vernon (1858), it was the federal government's action in 1906 with the Antiquities Act that marked a significant milestone.

The Federal Preservation Movement

The federal government started passing laws with preservation-minded intentions in the early 20th century, culminating in the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act in 1966, which established the National Register of Historic Places.

Grassroots Efforts in the Early 20th Century

While some cities like New Orleans, Charleston, SC, and Savannah, GA, began early preservation programs in the 20th century, most communities did not start creating historic districts and preserving their built heritage until the mid-20th century. My own city passed their first preservation-minded laws in 1954, adopted preservation ordinances in 1961, but officially created the historic district in the 1980s.

The Preservation Pulses and Motivations

The desire for historic preservation has often occurred in pulses, both before and after major events. Post-Civil War, there were efforts to build unity and glorify the war through monuments and restoration. These efforts were followed by a more modern interest in historical preservation in the late 19th century, marked by hobbyists and professional writers documenting older houses and their folklore.

During the Great Depression, preservation and reconstruction were seen as a way to employ a large number of people, leading to efforts to preserve and restore historic buildings nationwide, including the Spanish Missions in California. These efforts continued to inform preservation work done in the future.

Modern Considerations

While today's preservation efforts aim to protect and restore historical buildings, it is essential to recognize that these decisions are influenced by cultural and historical context. Future generations may view current preservation efforts differently, and that is part of the human experience.

Key Points and Takeaways

Preservation efforts began in the mid-19th century with the preservation of George Washington's Headquarters and Mount Vernon. Important federal legislation, such as the Antiquities Act (1906) and the National Historic Preservation Act (1966), played crucial roles in formalizing preservation efforts. The preservation movement gained momentum in the mid-20th century, with most cities creating historic districts in the 1980s. Preservation work often reflects current cultural and historical motivations, sometimes influenced by events like the Civil War. Preservation efforts during the Great Depression helped significantly in documenting and restoring historic buildings.

In conclusion, the preservation of historical buildings in the United States has evolved over time, driven by various factors and motivations. Understanding this journey can help us appreciate the current state of preservation efforts and contribute to their future development.