National Historic Districts mean specific areas of a town which contain older buildings considered valuable for historical or architectural reasons. Elkins, West Virginia, has several historic districts — the Elkins Downtown Historic District, the Wees District, the Davis & Elkins District, and the Graham-Davis Historic District.

Why is it important to determine historic districts and what value does it bring to a property owner? The national historic designation is intended to preserve the character of the significant area, but not freeze it in time. Historic Districts that are listed on the National Register of Places are honorary and come with no restrictions as to what a homeowner in an historic district can do to his or her property. Being in a National Register Historic District does, however, allow for the use of historic rehabilitation tax credits and other tax benefits.

The National Register of Historic Places is an ongoing project of the federal government to document the nation’s most significant historic properties (buildings, structures, sites, and districts). Although it encourages preservation, it does not restrict the rights of private owners in their use, development, or sale.

As you walk downtown, you might notice an oval plaque on buildings that indicates the name of the original building, the year it was built and that it is in an historic district. These plaques are on property that contributed to the historic district status. They provide citizens and visitors a small view into the past. Currently, EHLC is in the process of ordering plaques for building owners who might want to place one on a property. If you would like more information about the costs and process for ordering a plaque, email [email protected].

If you would like to know more about the National Register of Historic Places contact the West Virginia State Preservation Office and the National Register of Historical Places.