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B. CLASIFYING LANDSCAPES 1. Property types There is no single right way to classify a historic landscape, and some resources fit more than one classification. The important issue is that a property’s historical qualities are adequately and fully assessed. Use the historic landscape designation when it is logical to do so, and when that designation provides the best recognition of a property’s historical values. National Register bulletins have been developed on designed and vernacular landscapes specifically, and on several kinds of resources which may qualify as landscapes, such as cemeteries, mining properties, traditional cultural properties, and battlefields. More than one classification may apply, as landscapes can contain other, smaller landscapes or individually eligible properties, or may have evolved from one type to another, such as a battlefield now maintained as a park. The primary classification should reflect the property type that gives the property its historical significance. 2. National Register categories Historic landscapes as a whole are categorized as either sites or districts for the National Register. Small landscapes without buildings or structures, such as an experimental orchard, trail, or archeological resource, are categorized as sites. They might be landscapes in and of themselves, or they could be individual components of a landscape. Larger landscapes having substantial acreage and a number of buildings, structures, sites, or objects are districts. Districts may contain individual sites, districts, buildings, structures, and objects within their boundaries, including smaller landscapes, some of which could be individually eligible. Districts often contain substantial areas of vegetation or open space and may contain natural features that embody significant historical values through past use or physical character. A landscape containing multiple resources is generally classified as a district by the National Register. Within the categories of sites or districts can be found vernacular, including ethnographic, and designed landscapes. Vernacular landscapes are the result of past human activities, land uses, and choices. They may display a particular arrangement of resources reflecting a significant land use, rather than a conscious design. These landscapes are often rural. Ethnographic landscapes are typically vernacular landscapes that contain natural and cultural resources that associated people define as heritage resources. Designed landscapes are conscious works in a recognized style or tradition. They may be associated with significant developments, persons, or events in landscape architecture. Aesthetic values often play an important role. The following examples indicate some of the types of properties which might be found to be historic landscapes under the NPS categories of sites or districts. Sites: Districts: Designed Landscapes: |