Creating a National Register Historic District

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Midwest towns are overflowing with historic charm. Gorgeously articulated brick structures line Main Street, harkening back to a time when economic development didn’t mean building the cheapest structure possible. Many of these communities have residential areas with well-maintained Victorian-era houses where elaborate details and vibrant colors draw the eye of those passing by.

However, many towns today do not have historic districts that are recognized on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Having a historic district that is on the National Register doesn’t just bring national recognition to the area. Adding your district to the National Register opens the path to financial benefits like federal tax credits and grants, promotes heritage tourism, provides national recognition, and encourages community stability and improves property values.

Define a District that Makes Sense

Historic districts throughout the rural Midwest are generally definable based on their type. This includes:

Downtowns surrounding a courthouse square
Industrial/warehouse districts
Early residential districts that have maintained their character
General areas around historically significant locations.

But no district is identical. Each district is unique, and finite boundaries may be arguable. Just remember that what matters is the story you are telling about how the community developed. Regardless, the initial boundaries need to be solidified before you move forward. This creates the base from which you start.

Do Your Research

This is where the fun begins for me. As a history buff, researching the district’s history is the part that I may enjoy the most in the process.

Many rural communities hesitate to do the work necessary to designate a district because they assume too much of the history of the district has been lost. Yet, the National Register values the integrity of the district, not perfection. Historic buildings that have been adapted, repaired, or modestly altered can still contribute to a district. What matters is whether the overall setting, materials, and patterns of development are still recognizable.

A variety of sources can be helpful in making your case to create a historic district. Historic surveys, old Sandborn maps, plat books, and courthouse records are all valuable documents in the process. The County Recorder’s Office can be an especially valuable resource. Your local library or the library in your county seat may be good sources as well. They may have books, periodicals, newspapers, or other media sources that can add to your record.

Keep Your Property Owners in the Loop

In small towns, word travels fast. Misinformation can travel faster. Property owners need clear, plain-language explanations of what a National Register listing means. They need to understand:

No new local regulations are created
Private property rights remain intact
Normal maintenance, repairs, and improvements are allowed
Federal review only applies when federal funding or permits are involved

Talk with the property owners within the district you are working to designate. Keep them in the loop by talking to them early and often.

Work with Your State’s SHPO Office

To many cities, the mention of the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) draws a wary eye from staff. Many projects that are funded in part by federal aid have been hampered through the approval process due to potential historical issues. But your state SHPO office can be quite helpful in the development of your historical district application. They understand rural contexts, small-town development patterns, and the impact of your community on the history of the state.

Most importantly, they want communities to succeed. The more communities that succeed with their historic district designation, the more likely history that history will be preserved.

Start early with the SHPO office. Early coordination with SHPO staff can save months of revisions and help communities frame the significance of their district in a way that aligns with the criteria set forth to be included in the National Register.

Your state SHPO office also plays a significant role in the process. Districts seeking a spot on the National Register are required to be reviewed by the state’s National Register Review Board. The Board provides a recommendation to the State Historical Preservation Officer on whether to submit the nomination to the National Park Service for final review by the Keeper of the National Register for Historic Places.

Celebrate the Win, But Don’t Stop There

A National Register listing can be especially powerful for rural towns because it can open doors that may otherwise remain closed. But be mindful that National Register nominations take time. But the reward is worth the wait.

Once a National Register designation has been obtained, don’t forget to celebrate the win. The impact on community pride can be sizeable, affecting how owners in the district look at their property.

Just understand that a National Register Historic District designation is just a starting point. As mentioned, it can open doors for your community, but it is up to your community leaders to walk through those doors and put forth the effort to make your community better.

Additional Resources

Here are a couple of additional resources to help you read up further on the process:

Also, check out the National Register of Historic Places Inventory – Nomination Form for Rocheport, Missouri. Rocheport is one of the communities I visited in my 2025 Summer Road Trip. The form is nearly 50 years old, so it is probably not an ideal template. But it gives you a decent feel for the basics of the application.