Archeology and the National Register

This article outlines the many milestones and significant events contributing to the development and establishment of the National Historic Preservation Act. Those who drafted the National Historic Preservation Act saw the National Register as a planning tool: its main purpose being a listing of properties at the federal, state, and local level that are worthy of preservation. For archeological resources, this is the most important aspect of the National Register. In order to make wise decisions about preserving and long-term management of resources, decision-makers must know which archeological resources are important and, more importantly, why they are important. Listing archeological properties in the National Register can provide this information.