The National Trust for Historic Preservation has released its annual list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places for 2025, highlighting sites facing threats from demolition, natural disasters, and neglect. This year's list underscores the importance of preserving diverse stories and cultural heritage across the nation.
Endangered Sites and Their Stories
Among the highlighted sites is the Mystery Castle in Phoenix, Arizona, a unique structure built in the 1930s that faces potential demolition. Cedar Key, Florida, a historic fishing village, is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which brought a record storm surge in September 2024, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities to sea-level rise. The Pamunkey Indian Reservation in Virginia, inhabited for over 15,000 years, is threatened by rising sea levels and increasing storm severity.
Other endangered locations include the Oregon Caves Chateau, a landmark within the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve, which has been closed since 2018 due to the need for extensive repairs. The Wellington Hotel in Pine Hill, New York, a surviving example of the grand Catskills resorts, also made the list. Additionally, the Terminal Island Japanese American Tuna Street Buildings in Los Angeles, representing a dark chapter of American history, and Hotel Casa Blanca in Idlewild, Michigan, a significant site in a historic Black resort community, are also at risk.
These sites represent a range of cultural and historical significance, and their inclusion on the list aims to raise awareness and galvanize support for their preservation. The National Trust hopes that increased attention will lead to the resources and partnerships needed to protect these irreplaceable landmarks for future generations.