The National Register of Historic Places
Callawassie Sugar Works; Greenville Elks Lodge; Sinclair Service Station.
The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) is the official list of the nation's historic places worthy of preservation. The list is maintained in Washington, D.C. by the National Park Service (NPS). The state’s National Register listings represent South Carolina’s long history, from the prehistoric period up to the late 20th century. The National Register is often associated with grand architectural wonders, but many different kinds of properties may be eligible for listing. For example, mill villages, country stores, equalization schools, beach motels, funeral homes, tobacco barns, rice fields, and bridges are all represented in South Carolina’s National Register listings. South Carolina has over 1,500 listings in the National Register, including over 185 historic districts, with new listings added every year.
National Register properties are eligible for some financial incentives. National Register listed and eligible properties are also given limited protection from the impact of state or federally assisted projects. National Register listing, however, does not guarantee the preservation of historic properties. Under federal and state law, owners of private property listed in the National Register are free to maintain, manage, or dispose of their property as they choose provided there is no federal involvement and they do not require a state mining permit or a permit from the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM), South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).
To learn more about the National Register, please follow the links below:
NRHP Listings in South Carolina
South Carolina State Board of Review
Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
"Coordinating the National Register of Historic Places" Blog Post
NPS National Register Publications
Plaques & Certificates
If your property is listed in the National Register, you can order a bronze National Register of Historic Places plaque. Certificates are also available free of charge. Please fill out the Plaque/Certificate Order Form (PDF). and return to the SHPO. For more information about plaques and certificates contact Brad Sauls, 803-896-6172.
Law and Regulations
The National Register of Historic Places was authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Regulations governing the National Register of Historic Places program can be found in 36 CFR 60.1 through 60.15.
Staff Contact
Virginia Harness, 803-896-6179
Edwin Breeden, Ph.D., 803-896-6182