California Landmark

A California landmark is a site, building, or natural feature designated for its significant historical, cultural, or architectural value to the state or local community. These designations recognize landmarks that are the first, last, or most significant of their type, associated with a profound historical event or person, or are exemplary of a specific architectural style or period. Examples range from historic missions to the Golden Gate Bridge.

Census-Designated Place

A census-designated place (COP) is a U.S. Census Bureau defined area for statistical purposes that represents a closely settled, unincorporated community with a name. Unlike incorporated cities or towns, a COP does not have its own local government, such as a city council. They are created to provide data for these identifiable, named communities that lack legal incorporation, often serving as the statistical counterpart to an incorporated place.

County Park

A county park is a public park managed by a county government, providing recreational opportunities and green. space to residents. These parks can be owned and operated by the county or run by the county through agreements with other public entities or land trusts. They are distinct from state and national parks, which are managed by higher levels of government.

Heritage Society

A heritage society is an organization dedicated to preserving, researching, and promoting the history and cultural heritage of a specific place, group, or topic. These societies collect and safeguard historical artifacts, documents, and stories, often working to conserve buildings and landmarks and to educate the public through exhibitions and programs. Their work helps to connect the past to the present and future by preserving collective memory and fostering a sense of community and identity.

Historic Commission

A historic commission is an official body, at the local or state level, responsible for identifying, preserving, and protecting historic and prehistoric resources. These commissions review and approve projects affecting historic properties, designate landmarks, conduct surveys, and create guidelines for preservation, often by a vote of appointed members.

Historic Monument

A historic monument is a structure or site with significant cultural, historical, or architectural importance that represents the heritage of a community or nation. These places, which can include buildings, statues, battlefields, or natural sites, are preserved for their cultural value and ability to inform about past civilizations, events, or important people. A monument must have a connection to historical events.

Historic Site

A historic site is a location that has been preserved for its cultural or historical value, representing significant events, people, architecture, or archaeological information. These sites are often protected by law and are recognized for their significance at the local, state, or national level. The property must be old enough to be considered historically significant, typically at least 50 years old, though this can vary.

Historical District

A historical district is a geographically defined area with a high concentration of historic buildings, sites, and resources that have shared cultural, historical, or architectural significance. These districts are often protected by public review and local ordinances that regulate exterior changes to preserve the area's character, preventing incompatible alterations and promoting sensitive development. They can also provide economic benefits by boosting tourism and property values.

Historical Site

A historical site is a location that has significant cultural, architectural, or historical value and is typically protected by law. It is a place where an important event occurred, or it is a physical memorial to a historic event, person, or era. These sites are preserved to maintain their heritage value and are often recognized for their connection to political, military, social, or cultural history.

Historical Society

A historical society is an organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, researching, interpreting, and promoting history. These groups often focus on a specific geographic area, time period, or subject, and aim to educate the public about their share~ heritage through archives, artifacts, exhibitions, and other programs.

Local Historic District

A local historic district is a geographically defined area where historic buildings, sites, and streetscapes are protected by a local ordinance to preserve the community's architectural and cultural heritage. These districts are managed by a local historic commission that reviews exterior changes, new construction, and demolitions to ensure they are compatible with the district's historical character.

Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument

A Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument is a site designated by the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission as worthy of preservation on architectural, historic, or cultural criteria. The commission was established in 1962. There are more than 1400 designated properties within the City of Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Historical Monument

A "Los Angeles historical monument" is a site or structure designated by the city for its architectural, historic, or cultural significance, protecting it from demolition and sometimes making it eligible for preservation incentives. These can be a single building, like the Avila Adobe, or a larger area such as EI Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument. which preserves the city's birthplace and includes sites like Olivera Street and the Old Plaza.

Los Angeles Historical Site

A "Los Angeles historical site" is a location officially recognized as having historical significance to the city and is protected under a local designation program. These sites are designated as Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monuments (LAHCMs) by the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission and include a wide range of places like EI Pueblo de Los Angeles, the Broadway Theater District, and the Dunbar Hotel.

National Landmark

A National Landmark is a building, district, object, site, or structure that has been officially recognized by the federal government for its outstanding historical significance. Only about 2,500 places on the National Register of Historic Places have been recognized as National Historic Landmarks.

National Monument

A national monument is a protected area of land or water designated by the federal government for its historic, cultural, or scientific importance. These sites can be established by a presidential proclamation under the Antiquities Act or through an act of Congress. National monuments are managed for public enjoyment and preservation by agencies like the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and others.

National Park

A national park is a protected area of land and water, owned and managed by the national government for conservation. These parks are designated for their natural beauty, historical or scientific importance, and are preserved for public enjoyment and future generations. They often protect unique landscapes, plants, and animals, and can include a variety of natural, historic, and cultural sites.

National Preserve

A National Preserve is one of 21 protected areas in the United States established by an act of Congress. National Preserves are managed by the National Park Service as part of the National Park System. A National Preserve differs from a National Reserve in that reserves are usually managed by the state where they are located.

National Register of Historic Places

The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) is the federal government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects deemed worthy of preservation for their historical significance or great artistic value.

Open Space

Open space is any undeveloped land, whether publicly or privately owned, that is accessible to the public and used for recreational, ecological, or aesthetic purposes. It includes natural areas like forests and parks, as well as built environments such as playgrounds, plazas, and community gardens, which can help provide a buffer against urban development and support community wellbeing.