11 Most Endangered Historic Places

Nantucket

Year Listed: 2000
Location: Massachusetts
Threat: Development

Absalom Boston House in Nantucket, Massachusetts. The house was once owned by Nantucket?s only known black whale ship captain. Nantucket, Massachusetts was on the list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places in the year 2000.

Credit: Nantucket Preservation Trust

Significance

This small island, about 30 miles off the southern coast of Cape Cod, has a year-round population of about 9,000 people, and a summer population of more than 50,000. The American whaling industry originated in the 17th century on Nantucket, which is now the finest surviving architectural and environmental example of a late 18th and early 19th century New England seaport town. Its late 19th and early 20th century resort-era architecture is exceptional, and its significant historic resources exist in a setting that remains unchanged. The island is on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated as a National Historic Landmark.