Here are America's 11 most endangered historic places: 2024 list

By Yosi Yahoudai
Founder and Managing Partner

article

Some of the nation’s most important sites have a history spanning generations, but attrition and a lack of repairs could threaten the future of the buildings.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation released a list of the most endangered historical places to bring awareness to these places.

The nonprofit organization’s annual ranking features important U.S. sites that face possible damage or destruction if not preserved.

Here is more information on historical places to make this year’s list.

Cindy Walker House, Mexia, Texas

This is the historic home of country music songwriter Cindy Walker. She made top 10 hit songs for 50 years and since Walker’s death, the home has suffered foundation issues and her family is trying to preserve the home.

Eatonville, Florida

This town was one of the first self-governing all-Black cities in the U.S. and it’s the hometown of Zora Neale Hurston, the iconic author, folklorist, and anthropologist, according to a National Trust for Historic Preservation release.

Estate Whim Museum, Frederiksted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

The Estate Whim was a plantation producing cotton and sugar for export. It’s now a museum, library and archives, and public programming. Hurricanes have damaged many of Estate Whim Museum’s historic buildings and the site needs support and resources to make repairs.

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Hudson-Athens Lighthouse, Athens, New York

This historic site opened in 1874 and is only one of two remaining light houses. Decay and other issues put the building at risk of collapsing if nothing is done to preserve it, the National Trust for Historic Preservation noted citing engineering reports. Money is being raised to preserve the site and keep the lighthouse open to the public.

Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, California

The National Trust for Historic Preservation notes that Little Tokyo is one of only four remaining Japantowns in the United States and one of the oldest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, but its unique character is endangered by large-scale development and transit projects and displacement of legacy businesses and restaurants.

Minute Man National Historical Park, Walden, and nearby landmarks, Massachusetts

Minute Man National Historical Park and the nearby areas of Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, and Bedford are home to places important to American history, including Walden Pond and Woods and the preserved homesteads of authors and environmentalists. The parks and landmarks face a proposed expansion but advocates are speaking out against the project.

New Salem Baptist Church, Tams, West Virginia

New Salem Baptist Church was built in 1921 and is one of the last reminders of the community and helps to tell the story of Black coal miners and their families in West Virginia. The church needs maintenance repairs and money to preserve the historical building.

Roosevelt High School, Gary, Indiana

Built in 1930, Theodore Roosevelt High School provided educational needs for African Americans. Notable alumni from the school, include professional athletes, well-known actors, and members of The Jackson 5, according to National Trust for Historic Preservation. The school has been abandoned and damaged since 2019 and a group is working to store the site.

Sitka Tlingit Clan Houses, Sitka, Alaska

The Sitka Tlingit Clan Houses in southeast Alaska is important to both the history and the future of the Lingít (commonly spelled in English as “Tlingit”). Today, only eight of the original 43 clan houses are around. Tlingit tribal citizens and supporters are working to preserve and celebrate the Sitka.

Tangier American Legation, Tangier, Morocco

The Tangier American Legation in Morocco was gifted to the United States by the Moroccan Sultan in 1821 and it became the first American public property located abroad, and served as a U.S. diplomatic mission for 140 years. The historic site is now a cultural center, museum, and research library.

Wilderness Battlefield Area, Orange County, Virginia

Wilderness Battlefield Area is a historical site that’s not fully protected. The National Trust for Historic Preservation noted that proposed developments could affect the sites and landscapes. Supporters are speaking to Orange County officials to build on past planning efforts in the area.

About the Author
Yosi Yahoudai is a founder and the managing partner of J&Y. His practice is comprised primarily of cases involving automobile and motorcycle accidents, but he also represents people in premises liability lawsuits, including suits alleging dangerous conditions of public property, third-party criminal conduct, and intentional torts. He also has expertise in cases involving product defects, dog bites, elder abuse, and sexual assault. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California and is admitted to practice in all California State Courts, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. If you have any questions about this article, you can contact Yosi by clicking here.

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Here are America’s 11 most endangered historic places: 2024 list

Cindy Walker House, Mexia, Texas

This is the historic home of country music songwriter Cindy Walker. She made top 10 hit songs for 50 years and since Walker’s death, the home has suffered foundation issues and her family is trying to preserve the home.

Eatonville, Florida

This town was one of the first self-governing all-Black cities in the U.S. and it’s the hometown of Zora Neale Hurston, the iconic author, folklorist, and anthropologist, according to a National Trust for Historic Preservation release.

Cindy Walker House, Mexia, Texas This is the historic home of country music songwriter Cindy Walker. She made top 10 hit songs for 50 years and since Walker’s death, the home has suffered foundation issues and her family is trying to preserve the home.

Eatonville, Florida This town was one of the first self-governing all-Black cities in the U.S. and it’s the hometown of Zora Neale Hurston, the iconic author, folklorist, and anthropologist, according to a National Trust for Historic Preservation release.

Cindy Walker House, Mexia, Texas

This is the historic home of country music songwriter Cindy Walker. She made top 10 hit songs for 50 years and since Walker’s death, the home has suffered foundation issues and her family is trying to preserve the home.

Eatonville, Florida

This town was one of the first self-governing all-Black cities in the U.S. and it’s the hometown of Zora Neale Hurston, the iconic author, folklorist, and anthropologist, according to a National Trust for Historic Preservation release.