[ By Barbara Mattick and Brenda Swann ]

National Historic Landmarks — Florida's Places of National Significance

Only a small number of historic places are National Historic Landmarks (NHLs). Florida's 35 NHLs include the Fort San Carlos de Barrancas and Plaza Ferdinand VII in Pensacola, Ybor City Historic District, the Ferdinand Magellan (United States Car No. 1) railroad car in Hollywood and San Luis de Apalache in Tallahassee. Throughout the United States only 2,300 sites are recognized as National Historic Landmarks.

National Historic Landmarks are places where significant historical events occurred or where prominent Americans worked or lived. Representing ideas that shaped the nation, the designation automatically lists a property in the National Register of Historic Places (NR). While National Register properties may have local or statewide significance, NHLs, established by Congress in 1935, possess exceptional value or quality in illustrating and interpreting for the inspiration and benefit of all Americans the heritage of the United States as a whole. The law requires of NHLs a very high level of historic integrity, enabling public interpretation.

The National Park Service (NPS) administers the National Historic Landmark Program for the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, who designates NHLs. Nomination is a cooperative effort involving government agencies, professionals, independent organizations, and individuals. Candidates for NHL nomination are identified individually or, more typically, through broad theme studies. As with NR listing, designation as an NHL places no burdens or limitations on property owners unless federal or state activity is involved in an undertaking. The National Park Service monitors the condition of NHLs and may provide funds to assist in protection.

The Florida Division of Historical Resources is engaged in an unprecedented effort to prepare three National Historic Landmark nominations at one time. The port city of Apalachicola, Newnan's Lake, and the Freedom Tower are significant sites representing the historic diversity of Florida, and the national significance of Florida history.