The National Register of Historic Places is the Nation's official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation. Authorized under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Register is a national program designed to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect our historic and archeological resources. Properties listed in the Register include districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that are significant in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture. The National Register is administered by the National Park Service, which is part of the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Having your property listed on the National Register is an honor and allows you to take a 10 percent federal tax credit for certain renovations. Having your property listed does not prevent you from selling the building, renovating it as you wish, or even tearing it down -- although, of course, if the changes you make fundamentally alter the historic nature of the property, you may lose its status as a listed property.

Also, just because your property is eligible to be listed does not guarantee that it will be. If you believe your property is eligible for listing, you need to fill out an application documenting its historic nature. This nomination is usually then sent to the State Historic Preservation Office which reviews the application and determines whether it should be submitted for consideration. The final determination on listing is made by the keeper of the Register.

Wyoming has many sites listed on the National Register. Additional information about the listing process can be found in the publication:  My Property is Important to America's Heritage:  What Does That Mean? Answers to Questions for Owners of Historic Properties.