The National Trust for Historic Preservation compiled a list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. With the A.G. Gaston Motel in Birmingham, Ala., where Civil Rights Leader Martin Luther King Jr. once stayed, Miami’s Little Havana; and the Grand Canyon included on the list, the organization highlights this year’s record as the most diverse ever.
“For more than a quarter century, our list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places has called attention to threatened one-of-a-kind treasures throughout the nation and galvanized local communities to help save them,†Stephanie Meeks, the president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, said in a statement. “This year’s list is our most diverse ever, and reflects our commitment to recognizing and preserving all the facets of our diverse history.â€
Each year, the National Trust releases its list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places to raise awareness about the threats facing some of the nation’s greatest treasures. Due to the dedicated work of the National Trust, its partners, and local preservationists across the country, several sites have been saved. Here’s a snapshot of the places below:
A.G. Gaston Motel
Birmingham, Alabama
The A.G. Gaston Motel was a luxury hotel for African-Americans during segregation. Civil Rights leaders including Martin Luther King Jr. stayed at the motel and used it as a hub for strategic planning. Today, the motel sits vacant and faces increased deterioration.
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