We all have that one oom (uncle) who refuses to throw away his 40-year-old takkies because, according to him, they have "history." But does that make them a historical landmark? Unfortunately, no. But when it comes to buildings, places, and sites, there is a process that determines what gets that prestigious "historic" title and what is just an old building with flaking paint.
What Makes a Place Historic?
This is one of those lekker questions with more than one correct answer. But to keep things simple, most places follow a set of rules that say a site must have three key qualities: age, integrity, and significance.
Age – Generally, a place needs to be at least 50 years old to be considered historic. But, if a place is particularly unique or revolutionary, it might make the cut earlier. For example, the Portland Building in the U.S. was designed in 1982 and was already added to the National Register by 2011 because of its architectural significance. Kind of like the architectural equivalent of an overachiever in high school.
Integrity – If you’re a building that’s been chopped, changed, and given too many Botox-like facelifts, you might struggle to get that historic status. The site needs to still look and feel like it did back in the day. So, if the original features and layout are intact, it stands a much better chance of being considered historic.
Significance – This is the big one. A place needs to have some kind of historical importance. This could be because it was the site of a major event, home to an important figure, an architectural marvel, or even an archaeological goldmine. If an old pub is where a famous poet wrote his best work (or passed out after writing it), that could be enough to make it a landmark.
What Kind of Places Can Be Historic Landmarks?
A historical landmark isn’t just an old building with cool stories. It can be:
A building (like an old post office, castle, or even a classic cinema)
A structure (think of bridges, statues, or lighthouses)
A site (a battlefield, archaeological dig, or even the place where a famous band played their first gig)
An object (monuments, sculptures, or that mysterious rock everyone says aliens landed on)
How Does a Place Get Recognized as Historic?
Becoming an official historic site isn’t just about having a cool backstory—it’s a whole process.
Research – Someone (usually a history buff or a very determined local resident) gathers all the information they can about the site. Old photographs, newspapers, maps, and oral histories all play a part.
Application – A formal application is submitted to the relevant heritage authority, along with all the research and documents.
Evaluation – Experts, historians, and preservation boards review the site to see if it meets the criteria for historic status.
Public Hearing – This is where locals can voice their opinions. If the site is a beloved landmark, there will be a lot of support. If it’s a haunted house that gives everyone the creeps, maybe not so much.
Designation and Protection – If approved, the site is officially recognized and often gets legal protection to ensure it isn’t demolished or drastically altered.
What Happens Once a Place is Declared Historic?
Once a place is recognized as a historical landmark, it’s not just a fancy title. There are rules in place to ensure it stays protected. Owners often have to follow strict guidelines on renovations and maintenance, and in return, they may get financial incentives like grants or tax breaks (which helps when the roof needs fixing).
Some sites are turned into museums, some remain in use but with restrictions, and some become major tourist attractions. Just think about it—tourists pay good money to visit places like Robben Island or the Castle of Good Hope, all because of their historical significance.
Why Does It Matter?
Preserving historic places isn’t just about keeping old buildings standing—it’s about keeping stories alive. These places connect us to our past, remind us of where we come from, and help shape cultural identity. Plus, let’s be honest, they make for some amazing Instagram backdrops.
Beyond sentiment, historic landmarks also boost local economies. Heritage tourism is a real thing, bringing in millions (or billions, depending on the country). Imagine if the Voortrekker Monument or Constitution Hill suddenly disappeared—it would be a massive cultural and financial loss.
Final Thoughts
Next time you walk past an old building, take a moment to appreciate it. Maybe it’s just an abandoned shop, or maybe it’s a future historical landmark waiting to be recognized. Either way, history is all around us, and it’s up to us to preserve it—just don’t try to register your uncle’s takkies as a landmark. Some things are historic in their own way, but that doesn’t mean they belong on the National Register.
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