Historic Preservation

The City of Fayetteville considers preserving our historic resources and heritage a priority. Our community offers rich and diversified historic resources. Numerous historic neighborhoods, buildings, and landscapes provide both architectural and cultural reminders of our historical past. Preservation of historic buildings contributes to the character of our City and, equally important, reduces waste, and maximizes the use of existing materials and infrastructure.

Open the Historic Fayetteville Story Map to explore the historic details on over 350 of Fayetteville’s most recognizable and iconic properties, including those within the National Register Districts of Dickson Street, Mount Nord, Washington-Willow and Wilson Park.

Black and white aerial view of a large crowd at the Fayetteville Square in 1918

National Register Historic Districts

Fayetteville has five designated historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).  As the official list of the nation's historic places worthy of preservation, the NRHP recognizes historic properties that meet specific criteria, but it places no obligations on private property owners. National Register Historic Districts are not subject to any additional regulations. It's the community's responsibility to preserve its past and protect its story.

The Historic District Commission

With assistance from the Planning staff, the Historic District Commission is charged with promoting historic preservation in Fayetteville through public education of the City's historic and cultural resources; identification of significant historic structures and landmarks; and the creation and regulation of local ordinance districts designed to protect the character and integrity of the City's significant historic structures and landmarks. The White Hangar at Drake Field was established as Fayetteville's first local ordinance district in 2008.

A Preserve America Community

The Preserve America Communities program recognizes and designates communities, including neighborhoods in large cities, which protect and celebrate their heritage, use their historic assets for economic development and community revitalization, and encourage people to experience and appreciate local historic resources through education and heritage tourism programs.

Fayetteville's Historic and Significant Architecture

What history is in your neighborhood? The Historic District Commission has produced a brochure illustrating a snapshot of Fayetteville's historic and significant architecture spanning a variety of styles from 1840 with the Evergreen Cemetery to 1968 with the SWEPCO building.

For more information, contact Planning via email or by phone at 479-575-8267. 

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