It has been 54 years since a serious study of Caswell County’s historic architecture was undertaken- in fact, it was the first county-wide survey conducted in North Carolina history. As a result of this survey, 16 properties were deemed especially significant and nominated to the National Register of Historic Places. Since 1979, only 11 additional properties have been nominated to the National Register. Eight properties are on the National Register Study List (which is the precursor approval status to a full nomination) but half of these have already succumbed to the ravages of time and neglect. Significant work goes into a National Register nomination to achieve the designation, and we are grateful to the individuals and organizations who have pursued this process over the last 50 years. That being said, it falls dramatically short. There are literally hundreds of properties in Caswell County that are eligible for placement on the National Register. Before any of that process can begin, the property or properties in mind have to be surveyed. That is where Preservation Caswell will come in. We hope to inspire a new generation of historians and preservationists who can value these properties for what they truly are and assist in their study and preservation. But let’s discuss the National Register of Historic Places. What is it exactly? Taken from the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office’s website, they explain it as follows:
The National Register of Historic Places is the nation's official list of buildings, structures, objects, sites, and districts worthy of preservation for their significance in American history, architecture, archaeology, and culture. The National Register was established by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The purpose of the Act is to ensure that as a matter of public policy, properties significant in national, state, and local history are considered in the planning of federal undertakings, and to encourage historic preservation initiatives by state and local governments and the private sector.
What the National Register Means for the Private Property Owner
The listing of a property in the National Register places no obligation or restriction on a private owner using private resources to maintain or alter the property. Over the years, various federal incentives have been introduced to assist private preservation initiatives. A private owner of a National Register property becomes obligated to follow federal preservation standards only if federal funding or licensing is used in work on the property, or if the owner seeks and receives a special benefit that derives from National Register designation, such as a grant or a tax credit described below.
When a National Register nomination is prepared, all buildings, objects, structures and sites on each property must be categorized as contributing or noncontributing. Contributing resources are those constructed during the period of significance which substantially convey their appearance from that period. Noncontributing resources substantially altered.
National Register listing should not be confused with local historic property and historic district designations. These designations are made by a local governing board on the recommendation of a local historic preservation commission. This program of local designations is an option available to local governments under North Carolina enabling legislation (G.S. 160A-400). Properties and districts listed in the National Register sometimes also receive local designation in jurisdictions where local preservation commissions have been established according to the state enabling legislation, but there is no direct correlation between National Register listing and local designation.
