Historic Designation

Difference between National Register and Local Historic Designation

In a nutshell: the National Register identifies; the local district protects.  

The local historic district should not be confused with the National Register of Historic Places, which is a nationwide historic listing and functions primarily as an honorary designation.  Alternatively, the local historic district is a district designated by a local ordinance which falls under the jurisdiction of the local historic preservation commission. 

Both the National Register and the local historic district are used as effective preservation tools - both acting independently and cooperatively - to help preserve our community's rich historic resources.

Learn more by clicking the links below:                                                                                                                                          

Helpful Information

• Historic Downtown Mount Airy - Self-Guided Walking Tour (brochure)
• Historic Downtown Mount Airy - Virtual Tour

Historic Preservation Commission

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