Located in a remote part of Utah, Nine Mile Canyon , called "the world's longest art gallery" for its 10,000 Native American rock-art images, is threatened by plans for extensive oil and gas exploration.
Far away, in the oak and redwood-studded ranchlands of northern California, Ridgewood Ranch, Home of Seabiscuit , is in jeopardy, its former thoroughbred glory dulled by deterioration.
In New York City, an unorthodox and controversial icon of the recent past, 2 Columbus Circle , located on the southwest corner of Central Park, may soon be stripped of its architectural integrity.
And, a state known for its historic villages, winding back roads, spectacular mountain vistas and strong sense of community - Vermont - is once again besieged by the onslaught of big-box retail development.
These are just four of 11 sites the National Trust for Historic Preservation named today to its 2004 list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. The State of Vermont, which was also listed in 1993, makes a rare and regrettable reappearance.
"From factories that defined a nation to the home of a racehorse that inspired generations, from rural archaeological sites to big-city high rises, from individual landmarks to entire neighborhoods, historic places tell us who we are as a nation," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust. "They constitute an epic cultural narrative whose chapters include not only world-famous icons but hidden treasures. Unless all of us become aware of the importance of our heritage and take action to preserve it, America's past won't have a future. That's the real message of the 11 Most Endangered list."
In an upcoming "Save Our History" program, The History Channel will focus on two sites that were on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places and are now being restored. The program will air on Friday, September 3 at 8 pm. Beginning on May 24, 2004, The History Channel will also run a series of public service announcements that highlight the 2004 list.