Do People Have a Place in the Historic Environment? The Anderson Ferry and the National Mall

Abstract

The significance of historic places often depends on their use by people. The Anderson Ferry, an historic river crossing in the Eastern United States, is an extreme example; arguably the on-going human use of the crossing is its only significant characteristic. The National Mall in Washington DC also exemplifies the importance of on-going human use. However, such places are often managed as though on-going human use were irrelevant and even damaging to their historic significance; again the National Mall offers a case in point. At least part of this disconnect may result from the documentation instruments used in recognising and designating such places as historic; these instruments tend to focus attention on architectural details and past events, at the expense of contemporary roles and values. We suggest that the forms and guidelines used in historic place designation should be rethought with an eye toward recognising that service as a living part of community life and development is an important aspect of historic significance.

Keywords:

• Historic significance
• human use
• Anderson Ferry
• National Mall
• National Register of Historic Places

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Prof. Lisa Benton-Short of The George Washington University, Washington DC, for permission to use the photograph that constitutes our Graphical Abstract.

Notes

1. See www.andersonferry.com, accessed December 12, 2016.

2. See NPS, Guidelines for the Identification.

3. National Mall Historic District nomination.

4. Benton-Short, The National Mall.

5. cf. NPS, National Mall Plan.

6. NHPA Section 1(b)(2).

7. NPS, National Mall Plan, Table 7.

8. Benton-Short, “Turf War.”

9. NPS, “How to Complete.”

10. NPS, “How to Complete.”

11. NPS, “Final National Mall Plan.”