National Trust Announces America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations

March 2, 2005 – From a charming coastal New England town most famous for its tragic past, to the Chicago suburb that’s home to the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings, to a former Arizona gold mining camp now rediscovered as an artist colony, America offers alternative vacation destinations that symbolize an increasing dedication to historic preservation. In recognition of this travel trend, The National Trust for Historic Preservation, the country's largest private, nonprofit preservation organization, today announced the selection of its 2005 Dozen Distinctive Destinations, an annual list of unique and lovingly preserved communities in the United States.

"Today’s traveler has high expectations, which is why heritage tourism has become so popular,” said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “These 12 cities represent a truly distinctive slice of America and offer striking alternatives to Anyplace, U.S.A. By revitalizing their downtowns and protecting their unique heritage, these communities have preserved their sense of place and character.”

Dozen Distinctive Destinations is an annual list of unique and lovingly preserved communities in the United States. The twelve destinations were selected from nearly 80 destinations in 44 states that were nominated by individuals, preservation organizations and local communities.

This is the sixth time the National Trust for Historic Preservation has announced a list of Dozen Distinctive Destinations. To date, there are 72 Dozen Distinctive Destinations located in 36 states throughout the country. To see a complete list, visit www.nationaltrust.org. In each community, residents have taken forceful action to protect their town’s character and sense of place. Whether by enacting a local preservation law to protect historic buildings against demolition, rewriting zoning codes to prevent commercial sprawl, removing regulatory barriers to downtown housing, making downtown areas more walkable, enacting design standards, or taking some other major step that demonstrates a strong commitment to their town, residents have worked hard to preserve the historic and scenic assets of their communities, with rewards that transcend town limits.

The cities and towns on the 2005 list of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations are:

Annapolis, Maryland (pop. 35,800): Home to the Naval Academy, Annapolis cherishes and celebrates its rich, proud history with a well-preserved cache of 18th century architecture and a charming harbor that invites both sailors and landlubbers to fall in love with this colonial capital.

Bath, Maine (pop. 10,000): Nestled along the sparkling Kennebec River, Bath is an old seafaring town, deemed one of the best small cities in America. A New England oil painting come to life, this compact, walkable community is known for its treasure trove of maritime history, historic buildings and rugged, scenic beaches.

Bisbee, Arizona (pop. 6,400): Once dubbed “Queen of the Copper Camps,” Bisbee was literally born overnight when precious metals were discovered in 1877 in this picturesque spot high in the Mule Mountains. Today, this thriving, eclectic community has been reborn as an arts center that pays homage to its mining heritage and Wild West roots.

Columbus, Indiana (pop. 39,000): Located in the center of a triangle formed by Cincinnati, Louisville and Indianapolis, Columbus has earned its reputation as a world-class center of contemporary architecture. Columbus entices visitors with its striking modern architecture and collection of public art, distinct wineries, shops, festivals and array of outdoor activities.

Dubuque, Iowa (pop. 57,600): Perched high on a limestone bluff above the mighty Mississippi, Dubuque is a charming and vibrant city known for its cache of Victorian mansions, breath-taking vistas and three centuries of river history.

Helena, Montana (pop. 26,500): Known for its pristine rivers, majestic mountains and wide-open spaces, Helena is a city of extraordinary beauty and history. The city’s proud past can be witnessed today in its spectacular 19th-century mansions, historic gold mining-era businesses and restored pioneer dwellings.

Jonesborough, Tennessee (pop. 4,200): In the heart of the spectacular Southern Appalachian mountains, Jonesborough is a small town with a big story. Jonesborough celebrates its rich history and culture with a beautifully preserved downtown and a number of highly respected celebrations including the annual National Storytelling Festival.

Key West, Florida (pop. 25,500): A tiny speck of land on the southernmost tip of Florida, Key West has a well-earned reputation as a tropical paradise with breathtaking sunsets, crystal clear waters and sultry nightlife. But architecture lovers gravitate to the island’s palm-lined streets and proudly preserved Spanish-Colonial mansions and tin-roofed conch houses.

Natchitoches, Louisiana (pop. 16,600): Established in 1714, this vibrant community is the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase. Natchitoches boasts a 33-block historic district, picture-book architecture and a variety of shops, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, tours and festivals that visitors are sure to enjoy.

New Braunfels, Texas (pop. 36,500): Founded in 1845 by German immigrants, New Braunfels offers genuine Lone Star hospitality, small-town spirit and a unique heritage that is celebrated year-round. New Braunfels boasts a variety of distinct activities that include Wurstfest, a “10-day salute to sausage” and Schlitterbahn, the top-rated water park in the nation.

Oak Park, Illinois (pop. 52,500): A diverse and dynamic town just nine miles outside Chicago, Oak Park is home to wide, leafy streets, quaint Victorian cottages and the world’s largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright designed buildings and houses. Oak Park’s delightful setting – complete with world-class restaurants, boutiques and art galleries –provides the perfect escape.

Salem, Massachusetts (pop. 40,400): Most famously known for the witchcraft trials of 1692, Salem is also one of New England’s most colorful, coastal cities. Dubbed “America’s Bewitching Seaport,” Salem boasts a rich maritime heritage, an impressive display of historic architecture and nearly four centuries of history.

For more information, visit the National Trust’s web site at www.nationaltrust.org.

SOURCE National Trust