Nat Geo Pictures: 11 Most Endangered U.S. Historic Sites Named

 

Ellis Island Hospital Complex, New York

Photograph courtesy Clara Daly

Millions of immigrants passed through the hospital complex on Ellis Island, New York (pictured) between 1892 and 1954. But its buildings have stood largely idle or shuttered for decades.

Although the National Park Service stabilized the hospital structures ten years ago, millions of dollars are still needed to rehabilitate the interiors, according to the National Trust website.

According to Meeks, a site must meet three criteria to be considered for placement on the National Trust's annual list.

"We look at the significance of the property, the urgency of the threat, and the possibility of a positive outcome," Meeks said.

"Most of the nominations come from preservation organizations ... but we'll also take them from individuals and community groups," she added.

(Also see "Pictures: New U.S. Historic Landmarks Named.")

 

Bridges of Yosemite Valley, California

Photograph courtesy Jim M. Goldstein

Snow covers Stoneman Bridge in Yosemite National Park, California, against the backdrop of Half Dome, one of the park's most famous landmarks.

Stoneman Bridge is one of three bridges built in 1928 and 1932 that span the Merced River. Today the structures are being considered for removal as part of a comprehensive management plan by the National Park Service.

"A Merced River Management Plan should protect the river while preserving its iconic and historic bridges," according to the National Trust.

(Take a Yosemite quiz.)

 

Princeton Battlefield, New Jersey

Photograph courtesy Jon Roemer

Visitors walk up the steps of the Princeton Battlefield Colonnade Memorial in Princeton, New Jersey. On this spot 235 years ago, George Washington rallied his forces to defeat British troops, a crucial turning point in the Revolutionary War.

A portion of the site now faces significant threats, however, including a 15-unit housing development for faculty of the nearby Institute for Advanced Study.

"As proposed, the project would radically alter the integrity of a rare, intact battlefield," according to the National Trust website.

Princeton Battlefield was nominated three years in a row before it was chosen for placement on the National Trust list, Meeks added.

"It finally broke through this year ... because this housing development that is the threat is getting closer to being a reality," she said.

(See "Coal Firms to Strip-Mine Historic Battlefield?")

See the Rest of the Slideshow!