JACKSON, MISS–U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis announced the designation of 10 new national historic landmarks, including properties that honor LGBT and civil rights history. The designation recognizes the properties as places that possess exceptional value and quality in illustrating or interpreting the heritage of the United States.
Mississippi’s State Capitol made the list.
“The Mississippi State Capitol is a nationally significant example of Academic Classical Revival architecture, providing a remarkably vivid illustration of the nationwide spread of Academic Classicism following the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893,” said a joint statement by Jewell and Jarvis. “Designed by St. Louis architect Theodore Link, the building is notable among state capitols for its unity of design and construction, having been built by a single general contracting firm, W. A. and A. E. Wells of Chicago, within a single three-year construction program.”
The Capitol has been on the register of historic places since 1969.
Jewell said recognizing and preserving these landmarks makes for a strong education on the nation’s history for future generations.
“These 10 new national historic landmarks reveal important pieces of our nation’s diverse heritage through art, architecture and stories of community and identity,” said Secretary Jewell. “Today’s designation ensures future generations can trace, understand and learn from these properties, which join more than 2,500 other landmarks nationwide.”
Jarvis said these historic places tell the history of the country.
“During the National Park Service’s Centennial year, we are celebrating the places that tell America’s stories, and these newly designated National Historic Landmarks recognize important experiences that help us understand our history and culture,” said Director Jarvis.
The Mississippi Legislature and Department of History and Archives applied for the Capitol’s designation.
Here’s the full list of the other landmarks.
