Explanation of Indicator
Florida's historic structures, archaeological sites and historical museums are a major contributor to the quality of life enjoyed by the citizens and visitors of the state. These places are of substantial economic value, contribute to urban revitalizatio
n, serve as sources of recreation, and provide important tangible links to Florida’s heritage.
Most areas of the state historically settled by humans are located in the coastal counties, and a greater number of the known sites are located in the coastal zone. Care should be taken to protect all potential historical resources, as they can never be replaced. The recording of all newly-discovered sites is of prime importance since they can provide historians with new information. This indicator is to be used not as a site inventory but as an indirect indicator of the public’s desire to preserve and maintain the state’s historical treasures.
To be placed on the National Register of Historic Places, a site must be nominated and must meet specific quality criteria. This list is not a mere count; a site must reflect significance and be of a certain age as well as meeting other requirements.
Data Characteristics
SOURCE
All information regarding archaeological and historic sites can be obtained by contacting Dr. Marion F. Smith, Senior Archaeologist. Dr. Smith can be contacted at Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources, R.A. Gray Building, 500 Bron
ough Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0250, or at (904) 487-2299.
ACQUISITION
All information contained in the site file can be obtained in either hard copy format or through electronic transfer. The data can be arranged by specific sorting codes such as location or date of entry. No cost is associated with obtaining this informa
tion.
COLLECTION
Most historic data are gathered throughout coastal counties using surveys recorded during field visits. The information is later transferred to a computer database.
Data Limitations
The site file is the most complete source of accurate information available. However, this registry is not a comprehensive assessment. Because a site must meet qualitative criteria, some sites of historical value may not be nominated for inclusion in th
e registry.
Data Analysis
The data show no definitive trend for the number of recorded sites. The most common ways a site is nominated for inclusion on the Register are academic interest and/or local government legislation. Thus, in any given year there may have been more intere
st or research that led to a greater number of site nominations. Between 1975 and 1994 (inclusive), 589 sites in Florida’s coastal counties were placed on the National Register of Historic Places.