Since Europeans began to populate America, numerous buildings and important sites have been established. In these early years, the colonists were more interested in survival and, later, in forming their nation than in preserving historic buildings. However, many did survive, including those in the Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and in the earliest Spanish settlements of St. Augustine, Florida, and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Spanish missions across the Southwest and California still stand, as well as 17th-century buildings in New England.

However, several important and interesting sites have been lost over the years due to urbanization in cities and decay in others. The years between 1880 and 1920 transformed American cities as they underwent a period of industrial progress, necessitating the demolition of many old buildings to make room for more substantial ones. After World War II, many structures that represented first-of-a-kind technical achievements just years before became outdated and were demolished.

Over the following decades, more buildings were demolished as cities expanded. Many of these were demolished due to neglect. In contrast, others were demolished due to health and safety concerns, some due to maintenance and upgrade costs, and others due to the need for expanding and redeveloping cities and roads.

However, many historic buildings remained. In 1949, the US National Trust for Historic Preservation, a privately funded nonprofit organization, was established, and 28 states joined. In New York City, the destruction of Pennsylvania Station in 1964 shocked many nationwide into supporting preservation. Soon, new laws began to protect buildings and entire districts. In 1966, the National Register of Historic Places was established to protect historic properties. However, this designation doesn’t prevent the demolition of a historic property if the site is a threat to society due to fire damage, asbestos, or neglect.

More recently, there has been a surge in interest in revitalizing historic downtowns that suffered in the last several decades due to the expansion of suburbs. Today, many people respond to these revitalizations by revisiting downtown spaces for entertainment and buying or renting these character-rich areas.

Our Vanished Sites Photo Gallery features many historic landmarks that have been lost over the years, as well as other popular destinations for visitors and travelers in recent decades. These include many sites on old Route 66 and other destinations that display former lodging facilities, diners, and roadside attractions.

©Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated September 2025.